HC Deb 13 April 1938 vol 334 cc1125-6
58. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any action is to be taken following on the meeting of dismissed Imperial Airways pilots with the Government directors of Imperial Airways?

57. Mr. Hulbert

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement in regard to the meeting between the Government directors of Imperial Airways, Limited, and a number of pilots recently dismissed by the company held on 6th April?

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

As a result of representations made in this House, my Noble Friend instructed the Government directors to examine afresh cases of certain pilots discharged last autumn by Imperial Airways. This re-examination has been carried out. My Noble Friend has been made aware of the views of the Government directors; these views are being communicated to the board of the company, and I hope to give the House further information in due course.

Mr. Montague

Did Imperial Airways negotiate with all the 10 pilots who were discharged, nine of whom were members of the British Air Line Pilots' Association, or with only the three major pilots mentioned in the discussions in the House?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Invitations to interview the Government directors were issued to seven pilots, and five of them took advantage of it.

Lieut.-Colonel Fletcher

Will the further information that is promised be made available immediately after the Recess?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I should not like to give a particular date, but it is my Noble Friend's desire that the House should be made aware of it as quickly as possible.