HC Deb 28 May 1936 vol 312 cc2195-6
76. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any British air-lines are running a daily service to Sweden; and whether any of the machines are equipped with the Lorenz system for blind landings?

Sir P. SASSOON

British Airways, Limited, and British Continental Airways, Limited, are each running a daily service to Sweden, except on Sundays. I understand that two machines operated by the latter company are equipped with Lorenz apparatus, and that the new machines of which British Airways are in process of taking delivery have been similarly equipped.

Mr. PERKINS

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that the most up-to-date company receives no subsidy whatever, whereas its rival, the least up-to-date company, receives a large subsidy from the Government? Will he give an assurance that no further subsidy whatever will be paid to British Airways until it is at least as efficient as its non-subsidised rivals?

Captain WALLACE

I will ask my right hon. Friend to consider that.

Following is the Table:

Sir P. SASSOON

In a few weeks British Airways will be as fully equipped from this point of view as Continental Airways.

77. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what aerodromes in England are equipped with the Lorenz system for blind landings?

Sir P. SASSOON

The Heston aerodrome is the only one equipped with the Lorenz system at present.

Mr. PERKINS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that almost every principal aerodrome in Central Europe and Scandinavia is equipped with this apparatus; is it not time that we had more aerodromes equally equipped, and is it not advisable that members of the Air Council should go for a trip round Europe and see for themselves?

Sir P. SASSOON

We are experimenting with all forms of radio beacons.