HC Deb 12 February 1947 vol 433 cc347-9
16. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many aircrew personnel have left the employment of B.O.A.C., B.E.A. and B.S.A.A., respectively, since 12th September, 1946; and what proportion this represents of the total of such employees.

19. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many skilled aircraft maintenance workers have left the employment of B.O.A.C., B.E.A. and B.S.A.A., respectively, since 1st September, 1946: and what proportion this represents of the total of such employees.

20. Major Peter Roberts

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to what extent there is unnecessary competition between B.E.A. and

engine cuts out, the other engine is capable of keeping the aircraft airborne?

Mr. Lindgren

The assumption in the latter supplementary question cannot be accepted as the reason. In reply to the previous supplementary, any statistics are likely to be misleading. For instance, had this Question been asked at 31st December, a very different ratio of passengers carried per accident would have been the case.

Following is the reply:

B.O.A.C. for personnel, in that B.E.A. use their public funds to take key personnel of long service from B.O.A.C.; and how many employees of B.O.A.C. have within the last year become employees of B.E.A.

Mr. Lindgren

As I said to the hon. and gallant Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) on 22nd January last, I regard detailed information about staff matters as falling within the field of management, on which in accordance with the Statute the three airways Corporations are not subject to Ministerial directions. I regret that I do not think it right in these circumstances to invoke Section 22 (6), of the Statute to acquire the information necessary to answer this Question.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

While always anxious to limit the field of Ministerial intervention, could we have an assurance that the Corporations will be encouraged to publish these figures in their annual reports?

Mr. Lindgren

That will be considered, Sir.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the final responsibility rests on the Minister and his Department, and whatever the figures are, even if they are large, will the Parliamentary Secretary reconsider this matter and inform the House and the public how many are leaving?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir. Whether a man accepts a job, rejects a job or leaves a job depends very largely upon the rate of wage paid, the conditions under which he works, and whether he likes the job or not. The conditions are entirely matters between employer and employee, and there is well established machinery for dealing with those matters.

Mr. Niall Macpherson

Does the Minister not consider that if the operations

Employees. Weekly Wage (inclusive) Hours of Work (net i.e. excluding mealtimes). Overtime Rates. Sunday Time.
Runway Controllers. 100/- by increments of 3/-to 125/- 48 In each 4-weekly period, time and a quarter for hours in excess of 192 up to 208, time and a half for hours in excess of 208. Plain time (included in) normal time)
Unskilled Labourers 91/- 44 Time and a quarter for first two hours in any one day, time and a half for further hours Double time.