HC Deb 13 April 1938 vol 334 c1126
59. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air since what date Le Bourget has had an illuminated wind-stocking; on what date it was first proposed to instal an illuminated wind-stocking at Croydon; on what date it was decided to supply such a stocking for Croydon; from what sources designs have been obtained; and if it is intended to use a design produced by a commercial firm or a design produced by a Government Department?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The reply to the first part of the question is, I understand, the beginning of 1936. As regards the remaining parts a proposal was made in April, 1936; it was decided in January, 1937, to supply such a stocking when a satisfactory type had been discovered; designs were obtained both from departmental and commercial sources; it has been decided to proceed with the design submitted by a commercial firm.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Do we understand from the answer that it has taken something like two years to decide upon the supply of this equipment?

Mr. Everard

Has there not been an illuminated wind-"T" at Croydon for many years past?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

That is so, but this applies to a particular illuminated wind-stocking.