HC Deb 02 April 1947 vol 435 cc2022-4
28. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, whether he has any statement to make on the resignation of the chairman of B.O.A.C.

31. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether it is intended to appoint a new chairman of B.O.A.C.; and when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement.

32. Mr. Erroll

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether in view of the fact that the chairman of B.O.A.C. resigned within a few days of the announcement of the corporation's trading losses for 1945–46, he will make a statement giving the reasons for the resignation.

Mr. Lindgren

As already announced in the Press, Viscount Knollys intimated informally some months ago his inability to continue as chairman of British Overseas Airways Corporation beyond 30th June next, the expiry date of his term of four years for which he was released from his City business. My noble Friend has regretfully accepted his decision.

In view of suggestions that have gained a certain currency in the Press and elsewhere, I desire, with the concurrence of Lord Knollys, to make it clear that the reason for his ceasing to be chairman is neither more nor less than that I have stated, and I may add that the relations of Lord Knollys with my noble Friend and myself, both personally and officially, have throughout been and are of the best. I wish to take this opportunity of testifying to the devoted service given by Lord Knollys to British Overseas Airways Corporation and to civil aviation in general during his period of office, which has coincided with the critical phase of transition through war to peace.

Following upon the vacancy thus created in the chairmanship of British Overseas Airways Corporation, my noble Friend has made the following appointments:

  • To be chairman of British Overseas Airways Corporation: Sir Harold Hartley, K.C.V.O., F.R.S., at present chairman of British European Airways Corporation.
  • To be chairman of British European Airways Corporation: Mr. Gerard d'Erlanger, at present chief executive of that Corporation.
The board of British Overseas Airways Corporation have appointed Mr. Whitney Straight to be managing director (chief executive). They have also appointed Major J. R. McCrindle, at present deputy director-general of British Overseas Airways Corporation to be managing director (external affairs).

The board of British European Airways Corporation have appointed Mr. J. V. Wood, who has a long experience, both operational and administrative, in civil aviation, and is at present with British Overseas Airways Corporation, to be managing director of British European Airways Corporation.

The above appointments will take effect on the 1st July next, when it is my noble Friend's intention to appoint Mr. Whitney Straight to be a director of British Overseas Airways Corporation and Mr. Wood to be a director of British European Airways Corporation.

The appointment of Mr. Whitney Straight to British Overseas Airways Corporation will create a vacancy in the deputy chairmanship of British European Airways Corporation, and my noble Friend hopes shortly to be able to announce an appointment to that position.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While congratulating the Government on going to the much criticised Railway Executive for the new Chairman of B.O.A.C., and to private industry for both the other appointments, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to tell Lord Knollys that, while our views remain as they were in regard to these monopoly Corporations, we, on this side of the House, are most grateful to him for the courtesy and efficiency which, for so long, he has personally shown?

Mr. Lindgren

As a product of the railway industry myself, I will be happy to convey that message to Lord Knollys.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Can the Minister tell us Sir Harold Hartley's age?

Mr. Lindgren

I could not say exactly, but I think somewhere about 65 or 68.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the appointments of these younger directors which he has announced will give great satisfaction to the civil aviation industry?