HC Deb 05 February 1947 vol 432 cc1754-5
29. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the maximum loaded weight of Dakota aircraft used by the three corporations.

Mr. Lindgren

The maximum permissible all-up weight for Dakota aircraft registered in the United Kingdom, as laid down by the Air Registration Board, is 28,000 lb., which applies to Dakotas operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways Corporation. The British South American Airways Corporation are not at present using Dakotas.

Colonel Hutchison

In view of the representations made by other countries about limiting the over-all load weight, is the hon. Gentleman making any inquiry as to whether 28,000 lbs. is too much or not?

Mr. Lindgren

My noble Friend referred the whole matter to the Air Safety Board, who gave a ruling that, in their opinion, subject to the use of aerodromes which are adequate for these aircraft, and other factors which have to be taken into account, 28,000 lbs. was a satisfactory all-up weight.

Captain Marsden

Although the hon. Gentleman says that 28,000 lbs. may be technically safe, would it not, in view of the large number of accidents, give psychological satisfaction to intending travellers if that weight were reduced?

Mr. Lindgren

So far as the accidents are concerned, everyone of them is deeply regretted, but not one of these accidents is due to all-up weight. There are other factors which come into account, and the emphasis on weight tends to cast a shadow over what may be the real cause.

Mr. Stanley Prescott

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the maximum load weight in respect of Dakota aircraft operated by Swissair?

Mr. Lindgren

Twenty-five thousand two hundred pounds, but that is in relationship to the aerodrome that is being used.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is it not the case that if the all-up weight of Dakota aircraft were reduced, and the same principle were attached to other types of aircraft, practically every aeroplane in this country would be grounded?

Colonel Hutchison

If the hon. Gentleman is satisfied that there is nothing in this weight question, is the servicing of these machines as good as it could be?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir.