§ 1. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air what type of aircraft is used by the Royal Air Force for carrying out research in respect of meteorology; and what is the maximum ceiling of such aircraft.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)Mosquito P.R.34 and Halifax aircraft are the main types used. Their maximum ceilings are 40,000 ft. and 28,000 ft., respectively.
Air-CommodoreHarvey: Is the Secretary of State not aware that two weeks ago he said that research into the substratosphere was being carried out with balloons; and, in view of the lead this country has in jet aircraft, will he pay special attention to seeing that we have aircraft to investigate turbulence at these altitudes?
§ Mr. HendersonThe desirability of adding a jet aircraft to the Meteorological Research Flight is in fact under consideration, but we are having to wait until the problem of measuring the air temperature from high speed jet aircraft is developed in the form of a thermometer, which is not in existence at the moment.
§ Mr. PickthornWhat about turbulence at low levels? Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman consulted the Minister of Health?