§ 31. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what instructions have been given to the British representative on International Civil Aviation Organisation in regard to the immediate appointing of a successor to Dr. Roper, if need be, by temporarily appointing the Deputy Secretary-General until such time as the Council has made the new permanent appointment.
§ Mr. BeswickAs I informed my hon. Friend on 27th June, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation has not yet chosen a successor, and the Secretary-General has agreed to remain for the time being. The post of Deputy Secretary-General was abolished at the end of 1950.
§ Mr. CooperHas my hon. Friend received from the British representative any evidence based on the Council's minutes indicating the real reason for the decision to dispense with the services of Dr. Roper? Does he intend therefore to give instructions at the request of the British representative that his services should be terminated immediately in view of the evidence my hon. Friend has of the need to improve the efficiency and the staff morale of the International Organisation?
§ Mr. BeswickI am not quite sure what my hon. Friend means by "evidence" from reports. We have reports in the normal way from our representative, from which reports I have compiled this answer.
§ Mr. CooperIs my hon. Friend aware that the Secretary-General should continue, in view of the evidence he has received?
§ Mr. BeswickYes, Sir, for the time being, until a successor is appointed.