§ Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Aviation if, having regard to the possibilities of emergencies arising at sea in which shipping could render assistance 163W to aircraft, and the circumstance that radio-telegraphic equipment capable of communicating with ships has fallen into desuetude in aircraft since the introduction of high-frequency radiotelephony, he will consider taking steps to have some form of aircraft-to-ship communication system re-introduced.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThough aircraft cannot in general communicate direct with ships by radio, arrangements already exist for relaying messages from aircraft in distress to ships when these can be of assistance. Furthermore, ocean weather vessels stationed on the North Atlantic can communicate direct with aircraft and with shipping. I am satisfied therefore that action on the lines suggested would not be justified.