HC Deb 27 October 1937 vol 328 cc83-4
Mr. Mander

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the reason for the recent dismissal by Imperial Airways, Limited, of 10 pilots?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

The engagement or dismissal of pilots and other staff is a matter within the commercial discretion of the company, subject to the due observance of the Fair Wages Clause and to certain contractual obligations as set out in Clause 9 of the Empire Air Mail Agreement, a copy of which is available in the Library.

Mr. Mander

In view of the fact that the Government are represented on the Board, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that the dismissal of these pilots was not due to membership of a particular organisation, and that the principle of collective negotiation is accepted by Imperial Airways?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No, Sir, I can give no specific assurance on any particular subject of that nature. As I have said, the question of the dismissal of pilots is a matter within the commercial competence of the company.

Mr. Mander

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what instructions have been given to the Government's representatives on the subject of collective negotiation?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

We expect those representatives to exercise their proper discretion as members of a commercial body.

Mr. Perkins

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that since that new organisation was formed four months ago, the chairman and the vice-chairman have both been sacked, although between them they had done some 18 years' service for Imperial Airways; is he also aware that the pilot of the "City of Khartoum," which crashed in the Mediterranean some time ago, was also recently dismissed, and that probably the reason was that that particular pilot gave evidence detrimental to Imperial Airways as to the cause of the crash; and will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman initiate a purely impartial inquiry?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I think my lion. Friend's question raises a number of new subjects.

Mr. Paling

In view of the fact that this is a rather important business and that the Government have directors on the Board, is it not up to the hon. and gallant Gentleman to get to know something about this business, particularly in view of the fact that this company is heavily subsidised from public funds? Why should not this House know all about it?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The subsidy is given as part of the contractual relationship. I have indicated in the original answer what that contractual relationship is in regard to the relevant point. As long as that contractual relationship is properly carried out, the Government's responsibility ceases.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the ex-Prime Minister said in this House that collective bargaining is an essential part of our industrial organisation, and are the Government directors not informed that that should always be borne in mind in their dealings with employés of Imperial Airways?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The hon. Member raises a particular matter, namely, collective bargaining. It does not necessarily arise in connection with this question. If the hon. Member wishes to have information on that subject, perhaps he will put a question on the Paper.

Mr. Perkins

I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at a later date.