§ 24. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he con- 1334 templates any changes in the relationship of the Air Ministry to the Air Transport Service?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI presume my hon. Friend refers to the Air Transport Auxiliary Service. If this is so. the answer is "No."
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhy was it necessary for this service to be performed by civilian workers? Is the Air Auxiliary Transport Service really our old friend British Overseas Airways, and would it not be better to say so?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonIt is quite a different organisation. It comprises pilots who are operationally unfit. It is a great relief to the Royal Air Force that we can employ pilots on this work who cannot be employed by the R.A.F.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs it not a fact that the people who employ these pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary Service do so at a very large profit over what they pay to the Air Ministry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe service is under me and not under the Air Ministry. I am responsible for delivery of machines to the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. Garro JonesSeeing that T have failed to receive any enlightenment upon this question from the various Ministers concerned, I beg to give notice that I shall take a convenient opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.