§ 139. Wing-Commander Robinsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the reasons for 198W the cancellation of B.O.A.C. Transatlantic Air Services following the action of the American Civil Aeronautics Administration in grounding all Lockheed Constellations; whether he is satisfied with the safety factor in B.O.A.C. Constellations; what steps are being taken to avoid any possible fire hazard on these aircraft; whether any other modifications are necessary to them; and when it is hoped to resume this transatlantic service.
Mr. lvor ThomasThe cancellation of the B.O.A.C. Transatlantic Service operated with Lockheed Constellations was necessitated by a temporary suspension by the American Civil Aeronautics Administration of the American Certificate Of Airworthiness on which the British certificate for this type of aeroplane rests. Both American and British standards are satisfied by the structural safety factor. An investigation is proceeding in America as to the cause of the recent accident which led to the temporary grounding of the Constellations. Until its report has been received I am unable to reply to the last two parts of the Question. The Air Registration Board and B.O.A.C. both have representatives in America who are in close touch with the investigation. The B.O.A.C. Transatlantic service will be resumed at the earliest practicable date.