HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 cc1215-6
2. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is being consulted on the detailed scheme and its application for the reorganisation of B.O.A.C. and B.E.A.C. now proceeding, in the preparation of which two members of his Department are being associated.

Mr. Lindgren

The Deputy Chairman of British Overseas Airways Corporation has been assigned by the Board executive responsibility for carrying out the recently announced plan of reorganisation of that Corporation. British European Airways have invited the assistance of a firm of consultant engineers in the overhaul of their organisation. In each case the official of the Ministry appointed by my noble Friend is in close touch with the work involved, and my noble Friend is being kept informed of progress.

Mr. Cooper

Has my hon. Friend received any representations to the effect that recruitments are taking place almost as fast as reductions of staff? Can he assure me that any long-term service agreements obtained by any members of the staff will not be allowed to stand in the way of reorganisation, for instance, those which have been obtained by the General Manager for External Affairs and the Technical Developments Officer? In the latter case great concern has been expressed about the way in which the aircraft development programme, particularly of Tudors, has been handled.

Mr. Lindgren

I have no information about the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary. As regards the second, any group of employers must observe the legal implications of any contract; apart from that consideration, no obstacles stand in the way of reorganisation.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Does the association of the hon. Gentleman's Department in the reorganisation of the Corporations mean any change in the relationship between the Minister and the Corporations, because we have been told that the Minister would not interfere with the internal organisation of the Corporations, which were to be run as business concerns?

Mr. Lindgren

There is no alteration in the relationship, but the Minister and the Boards have their different functions and responsibilities. The closer the co-operation between the Minister and the Boards of the Corporations, the better the service is likely to be.

Mr. Edgar Granville

As public funds are involved in the deficit of the Corporations, and as the Ministry are represented on them, is it intended to make a report to Parliament, by means of a White Paper, in connection with any reorganisation which may be involved?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir, nothing other than the annual reports of the Corporations.