§ 41. Mr. Austin Hopkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that by far the greater part of the income of British Overseas Airways Corporation is derived from public funds, he will lay before the House a copy of proper accounts for last year in accordance with Sub-section 5 of Section 22 of the British Overseas Airways Act.
§ Sir A. SinclairYes, Sir. A statement of accounts and a report will be laid before the House as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HopkinsonAre we to understand that a proper statement will be made this year, instead of a totally inadequate 514 statement such as was presented in the previous year?
§ Sir A. SinclairIt is very difficult to define the words "proper" and "totally inadequate." It will, however, be the best we can do, having regard to the difficulties imposed by security considerations.
§ Mr. HopkinsonIs it a matter of security that we should not be allowed to know what are the salaries, expenses and other extravagances of some of the officials concerned? There is no means in the accounts presented for the previous year, of finding out where the money goes.
§ Sir A. SinclairThat is a matter which has been constantly argued in this House, which decided, in its wisdom, that management was to be left to the Corporation. That responsibility is fixed on the Corporation.
§ Mr. HopkinsonBut does not the British Overseas Airways Act lay it down——
§ Mr. Speaker rose.—