HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 cc1190-1
16. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the need in responsible executive positions in British air transport of men who have previous experience of this subject; and what action he proposes to take towards this end?

Sir A. Sinclair

The responsibility for making appointments to executive positions in civil air transport rests not with me but with the operating organisations, who, I have no doubt, give due weight to the consideration to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Simmonds

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is universal apprehension at the unhappy state of the executive control of the Corporation, and will he seek out, even throughout the Empire, men who have had experience in air transport, and not merely rely upon successful business men or chartered accountants?

Sir A. Sinclair

Executive control is in the hands of people with technical qualifications—executive control as opposed to policy direction. I entirely agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of the qualifications which, he has suggested, should be possessed by those in executive positions.

Mr. Perkins

Will the right hon. Gentleman sign the Motion on the Order Paper?