HC Deb 11 May 1938 vol 335 cc1574-5
59. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now able to state the result of the interview on 6th April between the two Government directors of Imperial Airways, Limited, and certain of the dismissed pilots; and what action it is proposed to take with regard to their re-engagement in any cases?

60. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Government directors of Imperial Airways, Limited, have interviewed any of the pilots dismissed by that company nearly seven months ago; and, if so, with what result?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The Government directors, as a result of their interview with the pilots in question, have expressed their opinion that the termination of the employment of the pilots was justified, that it was not concerned with membership of the British Air Line Pilots' Association, and that suitable notice was given them. In certain cases, however, they considered that the pilots merited consideration for re-employment. These views have been communicated to the company by the Government directors.

Mr. Mander

Have any of these pilots actually been re-engaged yet, or when are they likely to receive information on the subject?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have not been informed about re-engagement. Of course, re-engagement is a matter for the company, and as I have said, the report of the Government directors has been received.

Mr. Perkins

Will my hon. and gallant Friend press for their re-engagement as early as possible?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

We have agreed with the report of the Government directors who, of course, apart from their association with the Government, are directors of the company, and have a position on the company's board.

Mr. Montague

Does the Minister know the reasons for the dismissal of such navigation pilots as Captain Wilson, and, if so, is there any reason why the House of Commons should not know the reason?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I do not think, as a matter of policy, that one can expect all the reasons for dismissal of personnel of a company to be made public. The relation of the Government with the company is that there are Government directors, and therefore the Government, obviously, have an obligation to ensure that matters are properly dealt with. It does not seem to me to be a matter of policy necessarily involving making public the particular reason.

Mr. Montague

Have the dismissed pilots at last been told the reason for their dismissal?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I never understood that there was any question of their not having been told the reason.