HC Deb 06 December 1944 vol 406 cc513-4
41. Mr. Austin Hopkinson

asked 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. Sinclair

Yes, Sir. A statement of accounts and a report will be laid before the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Hopkinson

Are we to understand that a proper statement will be made this year, instead of a totally inadequate statement such as was presented in the previous year?

Sir A. Sinclair

It 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. Hopkinson

Is 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. Sinclair

That 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. Hopkinson

But does not the British Overseas Airways Act lay it down——

Mr. Speaker rose

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