HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1485-6
9. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of serious concern among members of the flying and other staff of the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he will consider immediately setting up a small independent committee to investigate the causes before there are any serious repercussions upon the important work with which His Majesty's Government has entrusted the Corporation?

Captain Balfour

I am not aware of any serious concern among the staff of the British Overseas Airways Corporation such as my hon. Friend indicates. I do not therefore consider that any useful purpose would be served by adopting my lion. Friend's suggestion, but if he has any specific cases in mind and will give me particulars, I will invite the Corporation to look into them.

Mr. Simmonds

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend discussed the matter with the Director-General, and has he become aware of the representations which have been made by the staff to the Director-General, and will he be in a position, if I put down a similar Question in a week's time, to give a more knowledgeable answer?

Captain Balfour

Perhaps when my hon. Friend puts down his Question he will have more knowledge of the British Overseas Airways Act, which, in Section 37, says the Corporation were to take into account representations made to them by any body or organisation, the membership of which comprises a substantial proportion of the class or classes of persons concerned. When Parliament passed that Act it was intended that the Corporation should be responsible for its own domestic affairs. If I have any grounds for thinking that Section 37 has not been complied with, I shall be very glad to receive representations.

Mr. Simmonds

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend discuss the matter with the Director-General, who, I think, will be able to give him a lot of interesting information?

Captain Balfour

Certainly.