§ 59. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for how many months the "Air Pilot" was out of print last year; and whether any complaints have been received concerning the present issue of the book on the ground that it is incomplete and inaccurate and consequently dangerous?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI regret that the main volume of the "Air Pilot" was out of print for 11 months last year. As regards the second part of the question, certain inaccuracies have been reported and steps have been taken, or are being taken, to promulgate the necessary corrections in one of the monthly supplements to the "Air Pilot." The possibility of any danger arising from any of these inaccuracies was slight.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs the Ministry aware that during the 11 months in which the "Air Pilot" was out of print the other publications issued by the Air Ministry laid it down that as a condition of obtaining an air navigation licence a candidate must possess a detailed knowledge of the contents of the "Air Pilot"?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadWe regret that the "Air Pilot" was out of print for II months, but the position has now been rectified.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDoes not the fact that this essential book was out of print for 11 months indicate great inefficiency in the Department?
§ Mr. MontagueCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many times in the last five years the control of the "Air Pilot" has been changed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadNo, I could not say that.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherI beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.