HC Deb 30 May 1946 vol 423 cc1360-1
92. Major Bruce

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he has any statement. to make concerning steps being taken to decide between the relative merits of the proposals he has received for the establishment of a permanent marine base for flying boats.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Ivor Thomas)

My Noble Friend has appointed a Committee to review the proposals received from various quarters for the establishment of a permanent flying-boat base in the United Kingdom. It is hoped that the Committee will be able to review the proposals which have been formulated with all necessary supporting data and to report before the end of June.

The Committee will comprise:

  1. Lord Pakenham, as Chairman,
  2. Air Marshal Sir Leonard H. Slatter, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.C., D.F.C., Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Coastal Command,
  3. Major R. H. Thornton (on behalf of the B.O.A.C), and
  4. Mr. A. Gouge, representing the Constructors of the large Saunders-Roe flying boats recently ordered by the. Government.

The Committee will take evidence from all interested parties and make a final recommendation to my Noble Friend on the proposal which will best meet the future needs of British civil aviation.

Major Bruce

Would the hon. Gentleman consider including on the Committee a representative from the British Airline Pilots' Association or some comparable body representing the actual pilots who fly the routes?

Mr. Thomas

The members of the Committee have been selected but any representations from that quarter will be very welcome.

Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

Since the fullest consideration of a permanent scheme cannot be entirely divorced from consideration of interim proposals, would it be possible for my hon. Friend to give an assurance that any interim proposal that may be under consideration will also be submitted to this technical Committee?

Mr. Thomas

No, Sir, the decisions have been taken on the interim proposals. I do not wish that there should be further delay, and the two questions are quite separate.