HC Deb 29 May 1946 vol 423 c1144
30. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many ex-R.A.F. pilots have been engaged by B.O.A.C. and British-South American Air Lines since VE-Day; and what percentage had operated with multi and single-engined aircraft.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

The answer to the first part of the Question is 101 and 36 respectively. As to the second part of the Question, all these pilots have had operational experience on multi-engined types of aircraft except that 4 per cent. of the British Overseas Airways Corporation total had had operational experience only on single-engined aircraft.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the figures show that there is discrimination in favour of pilots who have been trained in Bomber Command, and will he see that pilots who have been in other commands get an equal opportunity of employment with these air lines?

Mr. Thomas

I should hesitate to make that inference, but the moral which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has drawn has been pointed out to the corporations.