HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 cc979-80W
Wing-Commander Cooper

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation who is responsible for surveying the South American air route; and what are the number, qualifications and descriptions of the officials who have now set off by air on the survey.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

As has been announced in the Press, the survey flight to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has been undertaken on behalf of my Noble Friend the Minister of Civil Aviation. Its purpose is technical and exploratory. In addition to the British Overseas Airways Corporation crew the survey party consists of three representatives of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, two of British South American Airways and one from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The representatives of the British Overseas Airways Corporation are experts on operations, aerodromes and airline planning respectively, and all have wide flying experience. Of the two representatives of British South American Airways, one is their Controller of Operations, and the other a specialist on route planning. Both are experienced pilots. The representative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation is an expert from the Department of Operational Services.