HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 cc1219-20
18. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in what circumstances have civil airport authorities the power to prohibit aircraft captains from initiating their own flights.

Mr. Lindgren

Under Article 10 of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923, an aircraft may be detained at an airport by any person authorised by my noble Friend for such reasons as failure to comply with the requirements of that Order as regards certification of airworthiness, licences or certificates of competency of the air crew, and observance of customs regulations, and in addition, if its intended flight appears likely to infringe any provisions of that Order and to cause danger. Under paragraph 4 of Schedule II, the Minister has power to detain a passenger or goods aircraft that he believes to be in a condition unfit for flight.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does that mean that the pilot decides in the case of weather conditions whether or not he takes off?

Mr. Lindgren

Absolutely.