HC Deb 10 December 1947 vol 445 cc988-9
23. Mr. Cooper

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the cost to the public for the capital subscribed by the Department, together with the Airways Corporations, for the formation of International Aeradio; what is the amount subscribed by each organisation concerned; why other European air transport concerns have refused to loin International Aeradio; and what were the terms offered to these air lines from the point of view of their financial contribution and the participation in management.

Mr. Lindgren

None of the capital of International Aeradio Limited will be subscribed directly from public funds. The three Airways Corporations have agreed to contribute the major portion of the present authorised capital of £250,000, but the amount to be subscribed by each organisation has not yet been settled. The remaining questions are matters for the board of the company.

Mr. Cooper

In view of the vast amount of public money which goes to the Corporation's support, does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it would be his direct responsibility to watch the development of International Aeradio Limited; and does he consider the present Board is suitably constituted with people of sufficient experience, and of an international character, which is likely to cause this international organisation to develop in the quickest and most useful way?

Mr. Lindgren

The answer to the latter part of the supplementary question is "Yes, Sir." The first part concerns matters which are for the board, but the Ministry keeps in touch with them because it is desired that, these being common services, there should be an international organisation to administer them.

Mr. Cooper

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that if seats on the board were offered to international transport organisations, it might assist materially to the more rapid development of this organisation?

Mr. Lindgren

That will be done as and when capital is put forward by them, and I hope it will not be long before they are represented there.