§ 35. Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is the intention of Imperial Airways, Limited, to engage the whole of the present staff of British Airways, Limited, when the contemplated fusion takes place?
Captain BalfourMy right hon. Friend anticipates that the proposed corporation when formed will find it possible to make provision for continuing the employment of most, if not all, of the staff of the two companies.
§ 37. Mr. Brackenasked the Secretary of State for Air whether His Majesty's Government was consulted before the directors of Imperial Airways, Limited, and British Airways, Limited, published an announcement regarding an important change in the future management of their companies, and connected that change with a statement of policy made by him in this House forecasting legislation to set up a public corporation to acquire the businesses of British Airways, Limited, and Imperial Airways, Limited; and whether, to prevent the public investing their money in these companies under a misapprehension, he will give an assurance that he has in no way committed this House to any financial responsibility to the shareholders of these companies?
§ Sir K. WoodThe announcement referred to in the first part of the question deals with a question of administration which is the responsibility of the boards of the companies concerned. I was, however, informed of their proposed action, which had my entire approval. In reply to the second part of the question I can give my hon. Friend the assurance he asks for.