§ Mr. Perkins(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the disappearance of the Imperial Airways liner "Jupiter" last night?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)I regret to have to inform the House that Imperial Airways liner G/ACVZ, which left Croydon for Cologne at half-past nine last night, failed to arrive, and her wreckage was found later burnt out about 25 miles this side of Cologne. The three occupants of the machine, Captain C. B. Holmes, pilot; Mr. C. E. Langman, wireless operator; and Mr. C. F. Wolley Dod, Imperial Airways European Manager, were dead. No mails were on board. The cause of the accident is not yet determined. As far as we can ascertain there were rain and sleet moving eastward at the time over Belgium, but not general ice conditions, and the pilot was heard at 10.58 p.m. to inform Brussels that he was flying in good visibility. I am sure the House would wish me to express to Imperial Airways and the relatives of those who lost their lives our deep sympathy.
§ Mr. PerkinsWas this machine fitted with any form of de-icing apparatus?
§ Sir P. SassoonNo, Sir.
§ Sir P. SassoonIt was a regular service, I believe.