§ 36. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is satisfied as to recorded weather conditions at Errol aerodrome; with road and rail communications; with the presence, or other wise, of obstacles to safe flying; and when an adequate service to and from this aerodrome may be expected to begin.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe weather conditions at Errol aerodrome, though poor, compare favourably with other aerodromes in the east of Scotland to be used by scheduled air services. Road and rail' communications to both Perth and Dundee are better from Errol than from any other aerodrome in the area which could serve both towns. Five of the six approaches to the aerodrome are obstruction free. The remaining approach, which is seldom used, is obstructed by a high tension cable which, however, caused little interference with Service flying from the aerodrome, and which, I am satisfied, is unlikely to restrict civil flying unduly. A range of mills three miles south of the aerodrome caused no anxiety to the R.A.F. during night flying operations, and do not in themselves obstruct the approaches. A service to and from Errol will be introduced when suitable aircraft are available and when the necessary buildings can be provided and equipped.
§ 37. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what facilities exist for the refuelling and servicing of aircraft at Errol; if he is aware that aircraft arriving there have to be refuelled and serviced at Perth, 10 miles away; and if, in view of the facilities available, he is prepared to reconsider the question of utilising Perth as a civil aerodrome.
§ Mr. LindgrenNo facilities at present exist at Errol for the refuelling and servicing of aircraft as the aerodrome, which is in use for non-flying purposes by the Royal Air Force, is not open to civil flying. Perth is already licensed as a civil aerodrome but it will be too small for safe and regular use by the types of aircraft to be used on main internal air routes.