HC Deb 14 April 1937 vol 322 cc996-7
42. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that two large air-liners belonging to Imperial Airways have been lost in Europe during the last month, and that neither of these machines was fitted with de-icing apparatus in spite of the fact that the weather reports indicated snow or sleet; and whether this company proposes to run its European services next winter with machines still not equipped with deicing devices?

Sir P. Sassoon

As regards the first part of the question, the facts are as stated, but pending the conclusion of the investigations it is not established that if there had been de-icing equipment on the aircraft they would not have been lost. As regards the last part, I can only say at the moment that the closest possible attention is being given both by Imperial Airways and by the Department to the two outstanding problems of ice formation on the wings and on the air-screw.

Mr. Perkins

Do Imperial Airways propose to run their European services next winter with machines not equipped with de-icers?

Sir P. Sassoon

I hope that the experiments that are now being conducted will result in a suitable device.

Mr. Perkins

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that the other line, British Airways, has machines which are equipped with de-icers?

Mr. Lyons

Is there any difficulty in making the equipment of so-called ice-breaking contrivances compulsory upon all aircraft when time and circumstances so warrant?

Sir P. Sassoon

I should like to explain that there are a great many parts of an aeroplane which have to be protected against ice. The most important is the engine, and, as far as that is concerned, we have satisfactory protection.