HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 cc1191-2
17. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the excellent record of the flying-boat and landplane captains of the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he will state the average of the total hours flown and total miles covered by the 12 pilots who have most flying hours to their credit?

Sir A. Sinclair

I am well aware of the excellent record of the pilots of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, and I welcome this further opportunity of paying tribute to their courage and efficiency. The 12 pilots with the most flying hours to their credit have each flown on an average 13,200 hours, covering about 1,320,000 miles.

Mr. Simmonds

Does not this show that there is nothing wrong with the flying side of British civil aviation? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the executive and managerial sides are equally strengthened? Would he also be good enough to publish the names of these pilots in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Sir A. Sinclair

Perhaps my hon. Friend would put down a Question which would ensure that being done. I can hardly do it, except in answer to a Question. I certainly have frequently paid tribute to the courage and skill of these crews.

Sir Malcolm Robertson

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that a Member of this House very recently travelled more than 14,000 miles in these flying boats and that it would be very difficult indeed to pay too high a tribute to the efficiency, courage, consideration and endurance of all the captains and crews?