HC Deb 17 December 1947 vol 445 cc1680-1
15. Mr. Leslie Hale

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in what respects the Tudor Aircraft has proved unsatisfactory for the North Atlantic; and what are the observations of the Courtney Committee of investigation on this matter.

Mr. Lindgren

An interim report by the Courtney Committee has been received, is under consideration by His Majesty's Government and until that consideration has been completed no useful purpose would be served by making any statement.

Mr. Hale

The Parliamentary Secretary made a statement on this matter about a fortnight ago and it was in order to elucidate the statement he then made that I asked this Question. What are the grounds for suggesting that this aircraft will not fly the North Atlantic, and is it true that the Courtney Committee, as announced on the wireless on Tuesday, has said that it could fly the North Atlantic?

Mr. Lindgren

In so far as the B.B.C. announcement is concerned, the hon. Member will remember that the B.B.C. stated "It is understood." Why the B.B.C. understood that I do not know. My previous statement was in relation to the B.O.A.C. claims that the weight, range and payload of the aircraft made it uneconomic, and any further questions should await the publication of the Report or a statement from the Government.

Mr. George Ward

Does the Parliamentary Secretary mean to say that he had no evidence whatever, other than the assumption of B.O.A.C., for saying that the Tudor had been proved unsatisfactory for the North Atlantic service and that it would be unwise to permit it to do that service? Had he not already seen the Courtney Report?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir. The Courtney Committee had not reported: my answer to the House was on the basis of statements made by the operators and others in association with the aircraft. All the statements stand.

Mr. Beswick

Can we take it for granted that the Courtney Report will be made public, and when may we expect its publication?

Mr. Lindgren

I cannot answer that question. All I can say is that it is under consideration by the Government, and that it is for the Government to make the decision and no doubt announce it to the House.

Sir W. Wakefield

What is the purpose of the Courtney Report?

Mr. Lindgren

To find out the facts.

Sir W. Wakefield

What facts?