§ 19. Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation when B.O.A.C. proposes to start charter services between London and the Persian Gulf.
§ Mr. LindgrenI am informed by the British Overseas Airways Corporation that the first of a series of weekly flights on charter to them left the United Kingdom for Bahrein on 9th May.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWhat was wrong, if anything, which is very doubtful, with the existing charter service run by a private company to Abadan?
§ Mr. LindgrenThis is a variation of an agreement which has been in operation between Skyways and B.O.A.C. since 1946, and is a rationalisation of services, including this private charter sponsored by the B.O.A.C. and the regular scheduled services.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDoes it come to this —that, as soon as a private company makes a success and makes a profit, the Government come in and take the trade?
§ Mr. LindgrenNo, Sir. It does mean that, where there is an opportunity for rationalisation for the public good, the Corporation accepts the opportunity.
Lady GrantIf it is possible to run a charter service between this country and 2104 Persia, why cannot it be done between London and Aberdeen?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe former route is a little more difficult.
§ Mr. AsshetonIs another reason that we have not got a railway interest between here and Persia which we have to protect?