§ 3. Mr. Simmondsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the loss of the flying boat "Clyde" at Lisbon?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)On 15th February a gale of exceptional severity developed at Lisbon, where the "Clyde," homeward bound from West Africa, was moored. The flying boat rode at anchor for some time, but was eventually damaged by floating debris and over-turned. After the storm had subsided she was dragged into shallow water. The engines and airscrews have been removed, and it is hoped that other parts may also be salvaged. I regret to say that one of the watchmen on board, a Portuguese citizen, was drowned.
§ Mr. SimmondsCan my hon. and gallant Friend say whether we are still using this mooring place, which seems to be subject to floating debris and which has caused the collapse of this aircraft?
§ Captain BalfourI cannot, without out notice, give that information, but inquiries into the loss are being made by an official of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, who has gone to Lisbon 891 for that purpose, by the Director of the Airport, who will report to the Portuguese National Air Council, and also by the captain of the aircraft into the death of the watchman.