24. Surgeon Lieut-Commander Bennettasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what total number and what proportion of the aircraft of British European Airways Cor- 2403 poration are fitted with radio-altimeters or other forms of ground clearance altimeter.
§ Mr. BeswickFour aircraft of British European Airways are fitted with radio-altimeters as trial installations. No other forms of ground clearance altimeter are fitted.
Surgeon Lieut-Commander BennettIs it not desirable, in view of the very high safety value of this kind of device, that the whole B.E.A.C. fleet should be so equipped, so that accidents such as recently happened may be avoided?
§ Mr. BeswickThis is a matter on which there are different opinions. There are factors of cost and weight and reliability to be taken into consideration, but it is hoped that as a result of these trials we can come to a firm conclusion.