HC Deb 25 November 1936 vol 318 cc416-7
40 and 41. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether the Lorenz system for blind landings is yet in operation at Gatwick airport;

(2) whether he will consider temporarily transferring the night air service to and from Scandinavia from Gatwick airport to Croydon airport, in view of the absence of the Lorenz blind landing equipment as well as certain other equipment necessary for a night service at Gatwick?

Sir P. SASSOON

I am glad to be able to inform the House that the installation of the Lorenz apparatus at Gatwick Airport is on the point of completion, and that it will be ready for operation by the end of this week. In view of this fact my hon. Friend will, no doubt, agree that the second question does not arise.

Mr. DINGLE FOOT

Will my right hon. Friend make it plain to all the pilots engaged on these night flying services that they have a right to go to Croydon Aerodrome if they are not satisfied with the weather conditions at Gatwick?

Sir P. SASSOON

The company make it a habit to suspend the services if they think the weather is unfit for flying, and, in addition to that, the pilots have express instructions to proceed to Croydon or to any other aerodrome if there is any doubt about the weather at their destination.

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