§ 17. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to what extent British European Airways Corporation have been consulted by the Irish Air Line, Aer Lingus, regarding their decision to dispose of seven Vickers Viking aircraft.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)The decision to dispose of these aircraft was made by the board of Aer Lingus, on which the British European Airways Corporation is represented.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the Parliamentary Secretary not realise that the arrangement with Aer Lingus is most unsatisfactory; that the British have a financial interest, and that the decision made causes great harm to the British aircraft industry, as such; and will he see that representation is made that the British side of the board should participate in these decisions, and should have more say in what is to happen?
§ Mr. LindgrenYes, Sir, they do have quite a lot of say, but it is votes that count.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs the British taxpayers paid 50 per cent. of the loss last year, amounting to £63,000, ought we not to have 50 per cent. representation on the board.
§ Mr. LindgrenI understand that representation on boards is dependent upon the amount of capital invested, and not upon profit or loss.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyAs this matter requires investigating, I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise it on the Adjournment at a very early date.
§ 24. Mr. Shepherdasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what percentage of the shares of Aer Lingus is held by the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and what percentage of the loss on current operations is payable by the Corporation.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe answer to the first part of the Question is 10 per cent., and to the last part approximately 12½ per cent.