HC Deb 15 June 1938 vol 337 cc207-8
29. Mr. Batey

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the remaining pilot who was dismissed by Imperial Airways, Limited, has now been reinstated by the company?

Captain Balfour

I understand that Captain Rogers, to whom I presume the hon. Member is referring, has been informed by the company that they have decided to pay him a retaining salary from the date he left the company's employment until either he is offered employment by the joint company which is to be formed to operate the services between London and Paris, which are at present operated by Imperial Airways and British Airways, or alternatively for a period of one year from the date he left the company's service, if he has not been offered employment with the joint company before that date.

Mr. Mander

Will that be at his old salary?

Captain Balfour

I cannot say the exact figure, but it will automatically revive his interest in the pension scheme, including benefit of service prior to dismissal.

Mr. Gallacher

Why do they not do the honest thing and reinstate him in the service?

Mr. Montague

Is it possible now that this matter is presumably satisfactorily settled to get some information as to the remainder of the dismissed pilots?

30. Mr. Batey

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can state the result of the ballot taken by Imperial Airways, Limited, as to which trade union their pilots may join?

Captain Balfour

No, Sir. I understand that it is unlikely that all the ballot papers will be returned before the end of June owing to some of the pilots being in remote places.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In view of the need for the restoration of confidence in the administration of this company, will the Under-Secretary of State consult his right hon. Friend with a view to his taking a personal interest in this matter?

Captain Balfour

My right hon. Friend has assured himself that the conditions under which the ballot is to take place are completely secret and that in the case of those officers of the company who are serving abroad the same conditions of secrecy will apply as if they were serving at home.

Mr. Gallacher

Why not withdraw the ballot and let them form a union of their own?