HC Deb 16 November 1949 vol 469 cc2001-2
13. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to ascertain meteorological information at high altitudes; and what progress has been made.

Mr. A. Henderson

As the answer is rather long, I will with permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman inform the House of the type of aircraft used for this important work, and does he appreciate that unless Britain takes the lead in research in the upper air we shall loose the lead which is being obtained now by the Comet, which is important for defence purposes?

Mr. Henderson

I prefer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to read my reply. I think he knows that the aircraft used are four-engined Lancasters.

Following is the answer:

Meteorological research directed to the needs of aviation at high altitudes is carried out on a considerable scale by the Meteorological Office and the Meteorological Research Committee, and is the subject of continuous discussion with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Measurements of wind and temperature to a height of 50,000 feet are made daily by radio and radar methods at nine land stations and two ocean weather ships and ample data in this sphere are available for the British Isles. For higher altitudes the Meteorological Office have devised a method of obtaining measurements up to 100,000 feet and are making observations on an experimental basis. Observational data on upper winds and temperatures are lacking for a great part of the globe, and the Meteorological Office, utilising such information as is available and employing general principles, have made computations and prepared world charts of upper winds for the different seasons and they will shortly be published under the title of "Upper Winds Over the World." Charts for temperature are also in hand. Other kinds of information relating to high altitude flying are being accumulated, information on turbulence in cloud and icing and the means of locating the regions of these dangers being examples.