§ 22. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps he proposes to take to secure further representation of Scottish interests on the Board of British European Airways.
§ Mr. LindgrenOn the formation of the Scottish Advisory Council, my noble Friend appointed its chairman to the board of British European Airways Corporation, and he does not consider that any further appointment is necessary to ensure that adequate consideration is given to Scottish interests by that board.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that in spite of what his noble Friend thinks, public opinion in Scotland thinks precisely the opposite?
§ Mr. LindgrenNo, Sir. My information is that informed opinion in Scotland 1222 appreciates that in addition to direct representation on the board, there are a Scottish Advisory Council, a Scottish Aerodromes Board, and also a Scottish Division of B.E.A.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that when something might have been referred to the Scottish Advisory Council, they were ignored altogether?
§ Mr. LindgrenIf I may respectfully say so, that is not a statement of fact. If the reference is to the removal of G.C.A. equipment from Prestwick, the chairman of the Scottish Advisory Council was consulted. There was no opportunity to consult the full Board, because quick action was necessary as it was a matter of urgent safety in regard to the possible deterioration of weather conditions in the London region.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhy have a board if you are going to consult only one man?