§ 28. Mr. HOLDSWORTHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the accidents which have occurred, he will investigate the ability or otherwise of British Airways to offer a safe air service to Scandinavia?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIn view of certain statements which have appeared in the Press reflecting on the ability of this company, the company themselves have invited the Air Ministry to make an investigation of their methods of operation and maintenance. This will be done. I am bound to add, however, that I do not consider that the accidents, which have occurred on the night air mail service to Hanover, call into question the company's ability to offer a safe air service to Scandinavia. Indeed, I am glad to point out that the company's daily passenger service to Scandinavia has been operated since 18th February last with regularity and without accident.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWhile thanking the right hon. Baronet for the first part of his reply, may I ask whether it is fair that he should express an opinion as to the safety or otherwise of the service when the company itself, according to the first part of his answer, acknowledge the necessity for an inquiry, because of the accidents which have occurred?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI think it fair to point out that the Scandinavian service has run since the beginning of the year without accident and with regularity.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHPerhaps the word "Scandinavia" in the question limits it too narrowly. Is it not a fact that in the past five months eight pilots have lost their lives in the service of this company?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is a fact that there have been accidents.