HC Deb 18 November 1964 vol 702 c419
12. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will seek to amend the Civil Aviation (Licensing) Act, 1960, so as to require the Air Transport Licensing Board to act in accordance with policy directives issued by him.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I shall certainly consider, when I have had an opportunity to make my own assessments, whether this or any other changes in the licensing system are called for.

Mr. Lubbock

Does not the Minister appreciate that the Air Transport Licensing Board has criticised the present situation for many years as preventing operators from forming a reasoned judgment of the licences they are likely to receive; and that if he were to accept this advice it would enable operators to plan their investment on a long-term basis?

Mr. Jenkins

I shall bear what the hon. Gentleman says in mind although, of course, it would involve legislation.