HC Deb 20 July 1938 vol 338 cc2189-90
49. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Secretary of State for Air why British air pilots flying between Britain and Germany are not permitted to proceed at night beyond Cologne; whether he is aware that no restrictions are placed upon German pilots flying at night between England and Germany and that many German civil pilots have been transferred from the German air force for the purpose of learning night flying on English routes; and whether he will take steps to see that there is equality of practice in this matter on English-German routes and German-English routes?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)

At the present time a regular night mail service is operated by British Airways on alternate nights between London and Berlin, and regular night landings are made at Cologne and Hanover en route. I have no knowledge of any restriction on British civil air pilots of the nature referred to, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the information in his possession on the matter.

Mr. Thurtle

Has the hon. and gallant Member any confirmation of the statement in this question that large numbers of pilots have been transferred from the German Air Force to the commercial lines for the purpose of learning night-flying over this country?

Captain Balfour

No, Sir. That is one of the matters on which I should be glad to receive information.

Mr. Perkins

Is my hon. and gallant Friend not aware that Imperial Airways and Commercial Airways are also training Royal Air Force pilots on these services, and can he give any information as to the liability of the companies for these pilots?