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Civil Aviation

Volume 483: debated on Wednesday 31 January 1951

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Boac Strike (Loss)

37.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what was the loss sustained by British Overseas Airways Corporation as a result of the strike of electrical workers.

British Overseas Airways Corporation estimate that their net loss was of the order of £360,000.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether an inquiry has been made into this unofficial strike, and, if so, can the report on it be placed in the Library of the House?

Inquiries were going on all along with a view to ending the strike, but there has been no official report upon them.

Brabazon Aircraft

38.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the Brabazon is not to be used as a commercial airliner.

The Brabazon project was undertaken for experimental purposes, and with a view to possible use on trans-Atlantic services. As the result of a review of recent developments, it now appears that the commercial requirements for this and other long distance routes can be met more economically by other British aircraft which will be available in the future.

Does this mean that this aircraft will never earn a penny? If so, is it the intention of the Government to write off this sum at once or over a number of years?

Is it not a fact that the Government knew this at least 12 months ago? Are they not aware that they are merely repeating another nuts scheme, and that the best thing to do is to cut it right out?

No, it is not a fact that the Government knew it 12 months ago. There are a number of factors, including the development of new aircraft, about which we could not be certain 12 months ago.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the experience gained by those building the two Brabazon aircraft was worth the money we spent upon them?

Aircraft Communication Services

39.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he has yet collected the evidence to indicate what broadcast sources are interfering with British aircraft communication services in South-East England and the Midlands.

The evidence shows that the main broadcast source concerned has been the Daventry (Overseas) Service, but other B.B.C. short-wave broadcast stations have also been responsible to a limited extent. The interference is due to an harmonic of the transmitted frequency and as soon as this was established the B.B.C. took immediate measures to effect a remedy. Reports from pilots show that some improvement has been effected. Technical staff from my Ministry are at present collaborating with the B.B.C. engineers with the object of eliminating the interference altogether.

Princess Flying Boat

40.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what are now his intentions with respect to the Princess flying boat.

The requirements of rearmament have necessitated a review of work on the development and production of civil aircraft, including the Princess flying boat. No final decisions about the future of the Princess flying boat have, however, yet been reached.

Is it not a fact that five or six aircraft of this type can carry as many troops as the "Queen Mary" or "Queen Elizabeth," without the construction of any docks or runways whatever, and will the hon. Gentleman make sure that no prejudice in high places against the employment of flying boats will be allowed to blind them to their possibilities?

There is no prejudice in high places against this boat, and the question which the hon. and gallant Gentleman raises is one that is being studied carefully at the moment.