HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 c338
17. Air-Commodore

Harvey asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many airline pilots who were employed by either of the Corporations have been taken on to the staff of his Department during the past two years.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)

Two, Sir.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Member consult his noble Friend and see whether he cannot do something more for these men who are employed by the Corporations so that a fair ratio get executive jobs in the Ministry instead of the jobs going to people outside?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir; most certainly. My noble Friend has already had discussions with B.A.L.P.A.—the pilots' trade union—and with G.A.P.A.N.—[HON. MEMBERS: "What is that?"] It is the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators. It must be remembered that the salary and pension of pilots take consideration of the fact that their life as pilots is a comparatively short one.