HC Deb 08 April 1970 vol 799 cc547-8
48. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to providing for the safety of passengers in aircraft which are airborne at the time when lightning strikes are announced, putting airports immediately out of action for landing purposes.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Aircraft are required to carry sufficient fuel to provide a safe margin for contingencies arising from whatever cause. This margin is intended to enable them to divert to other aerodromes if their destination airport at home or abroad were to be closed at short notice.

Mr. Campbell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was in an aircraft in the air last Friday on a short journey in Scotland when the pilot was informed at 15 minutes' notice of the lightning strikes at Scottish airports, and that it seemed only a matter of chance that one airport was open? Is the Minister entirely certain that when there is a combination of bad weather safety can always he assured?

Mr. Roberts

I should certainly like details of the case that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. Perhaps he will let me have them. I assume he was referring to the London/Inverness diversion, which I understand was conducted with complete safety and efficacy.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

Has my right hon. Friend any statistics for the kind of incident to which the hon. Gentleman referred?

Mr. Roberts

Not without notice. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a Question.