§ 120. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how long passengers on the K.L.M. aeroplane, on 1st November, 1955, which was diverted by fog from London to Bovingdon Airport, were kept airborne waiting to land; how long they had to wait in the waiting room before going through immigration formalities, and how long they waited in a small corridor before seeing the official; and what steps he is taking, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to ensure that passengers from aeroplanes diverted by fog are cleared through the fomalities without undue delay.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterOn K. L. M.' s instructions this aircraft was diverted from London to Bovingdon at 1202 hours and landed there at 1306 hours. Passengers waited in the waiting room for about 45 minutes. The last of the 33 passengers cleared was in the corridor 25 minutes.
There is a standing arrangement whereby airline operators inform the immigration authorities of decisions to divert. If necessary, additional staff is then sent to the aerodrome concerned. My right hon. and gallant Friend the Home Secretary and I are satisfied that this is the best arrangement to ensure that passengers in diverted aircraft are cleared without undue delay.