HC Deb 16 February 1966 vol 724 c1295
6. Miss Harvie Anderson

asked the Minister of Aviation what was the visibility on the main runway at Renfrew at the moment of take-off of Flight BEA 5043 on Monday 24th January; and what are the minimum standards prescribed.

Mr. Stonehouse

The runway visual range at Renfrew when flight BE 5043 took off on Monday, 24th January, was 450 metres; B.E.A. 's take-off weather minima for day-time take-off for the Vanguard at Renfrew are zero cloud ceiling and 140 metres runway visual range.

Miss Harvie Anderson

While thanking the Minister for that only partially reassuring reply and emphasising the public confidence in British pilots, may I ask him whether he can give the House the further reassurance that no pilot's promotion prospects are handicapped by such diversionary landings or take-offs as he may have judged it necessary to make being taken into account?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am quite sure that B. E. A. does not in any way handicap the promotion of any pilot who is controlling the aircraft in the best interests of safety.