HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1714-5
16. Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what safety considerations have led to the grounding of Vickers Viking aircraft in the service of British European Airways Corporation; and when these machines will be restored to service.

Mr. Beswick

As a precautionary measure, following discovery during normal overhaul, of a defect in a propeller which had flown approximately 3,840 hours, it was decided to replace propellers with over 3,200 hours flying. Rather less than half the Corporation's Viking fleet were affected and these aircraft have now been returned to service.

Lieut.-Colonel Hyde

Is the Minister satisfied that these machines are now thoroughly airworthy and not likely unnecessarily to endanger the lives of passengers?

Mr. Beswick

Certainly I am. There is no question of their being any other than airworthy. This is an example of the meticulous care which is taken.