§ 19. Mr. Profumoasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many aerodromes in the United Kingdom it is proposed to equip with runways suitable for the Brabazon II.
§ Mr. BeswickThere is no intention at present of equipping any more aerodromes with runways suitable for the Brabazon II.
§ Mr. ProfumoThat seems to me a very unsatisfactory answer. Is the Minister giving enough consideration to the probability of having to set down 100 passengers at a time at an alternative aerodrome when the weather over the major aerodrome is not satisfactory for landing; and could this not be studied as a matter of immediate importance?
§ Mr. BeswickQuite clearly, this has been studied. I was asked for the number of aerodromes available, presumably for ordinary operations.
§ Mr. ProfumoIs it satisfactory?
§ 41. Mr. Fisherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when it is proposed to start an Atlantic service using the Brabazon II; and what special financial arrangements will have to made with the Corporation.
§ 27. Mr. Niall Macphersonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what projects are being considered for utilising the Brabazon II at the completion of its test flying.
§ 68 and 70. Mr. Leatherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (1) when it is proposed to take a final decision on the ordering of further Brabazon II's;
(2) what are his intentions with regard to the use to be made of the Brabazon II which is on order.
§ Mr. BeswickI have nothing to add to the statement I made during the course of my reply to the Debate in Committee of Supply on 6th July, 1950.
§ Mr. FisherWill the Minister give an assurance that B.O.A.C. are prepared to put their heart into this job? At the moment they seem to be very lukewarm about this particular commission.
Air Commodore HarveyCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Government have made up their mind whether or not they are going to proceed with the construction of three of these aircraft, which are required to operate the Atlantic service?
§ Mr. BeswickI answered that point in the remarks that I made in the Debate.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonDoes the Minister think that it is consonant with British prestige that we should construct an aircraft of this weight and dimensions and then not know what to do with it?
§ Mr. BeswickI think that it is wrong to say that we do not know what to do with it. We propose to fly this aircraft.
§ 69. Mr. Leatherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if the runways at present in use on major aerodromes are suitable for emergency landings of the Brabazon when equipped with the modified undercarriage.
§ Mr. BeswickEmergency landings could be made at at least a dozen aerodromes in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LeatherWill the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that the versatility of the Brabazon is much more widely known, because there is a great deal of misunderstanding on this point? Will he also bear in mind the immense importance of employment policy in the local areas?
§ Mr. BeswickYes, Sir.