43. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the movements of the flying boats engaged in the experimental trans-Atlantic air services are reported regularly to all the ships on the trans-Atlantic route so that, in an emergency, they may be able to render assistance?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)On the recent flight the movement of the "Caledonia" was not reported regularly during the flight to ships on the trans-Atlantic route. Ships were warned by broadcast of the route, time of departure and ground speed 862 of the aircraft, and the positions of ships likely to be in the vicinity were communicated to the aircraft before the flight commenced. A distress procedure was concerted with the Admiralty and the General Post Office to ensure that prompt assistance would be rendered if called for.