HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 cc109-10
3. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to ensure an adequate supply of air crews for British air lines, in view of the high cost of such training and the limited numbers available from Royal Air Force Transport Command.

Mr. Beswick

As proposed in Recommendations 7 to 10 of the Wilcock Report (a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member) a standing committee representative of the Service Departments, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the civil operators has been set up to arrange for the pre-selection of pilots for civil aviation employment and for training while still in the Services. The standing committee is also charged with the task of keeping under review the number of personnel likely to be required and is now engaged on such a review. It appears probable that for some time to come the needs of civil aviation will be met from Service sources. No special measures are thought necessary for ensuring an adequate supply to civil aviation of aircrew other than pilots.

Lord Douglas-Hamilton

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that there is at present no air training scheme which is equivalent to the Merchant Navy scheme, that is to say, training ships and apprenticeships. Does he also realise that in Holland the K.L.M. run civilian schools especially for airline pilots, and that their requirements are only 70 per year as opposed to our 200 to 300?

Mr. Beswick

If such a scheme is held to be necessary this standing committee would recommend that such schools should be set up. After careful considera- tion, it has not been thought that there is any necessity for such a scheme at present.

Lord Douglas-Hamilton

Surely we should not depend entirely on the Royal Air Force for our supply of pilots for civil aviation. That would be like depending on the Royal Navy for our supply of seamen for the Merchant Navy.

Mr. Beswick

All these matters are considered by people who understand the position. At present, they are satisfied that the numbers available are sufficient to fulfil our needs.