§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, on a certain day in June, a large number of aircraft set off from this country for a distant post, contrary to the advice of 438W persons capable of judging weather conditions; that some of the airmen turned back on that account, but, despite their protests, were ordered to re-start on their journey and serious loss of life and equipment ensued; and whether he proposes to take any action against the person responsible for giving the original instructions, which were evidently only necessary to cover up the lack of foresight on the part of a high official?
Captain BalfourI am aware of the flights to which the hon. Member refers. It is not a fact either that the original flight was ordered to start despite an unfavourable weather report or that the aircraft which returned were ordered to re-start their journey before weather conditions were satisfactory. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the reasons for ordering the flight, but it was not undertaken as a consequence of any lack of foresight at an earlier s[...]age.