§ 102. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the 11.20 a.m. service from Glasgow to Belfast on 14th June, 1947, broke down; why no reserve aircraft was available; and what steps are proposed to ensure an efficient service in future.
§ Mr. LindgrenI am informed by the British European Airways Corporation that this was due to the unfortunate coincidence that both the Jupiter aircraft detailed for these services developed 65W minor engineering difficulties. Although the two reserve DH.89 aircraft were immediately placed on service they had not sufficient capacity to replace fully the two Jupiters. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am satisfied that everything is done by the Corporation to maintain maximum regularity with the aircraft available.