§ 46. Mr. Perkinsasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I am not prepared to recommend to His Majesty the appointment of a Royal Commission.
§ Mr. PerkinsIs the Prime Minister aware that on 25th October last the Foreign Secretary announced to the House that agreement had been reached between the Government and the chairman of all these public corporations for a periodical review every seven years? In view of that agreement and the fact that this Corporation has been under public control for nearly 12 years without any inquiry, and has lost a large amount of public money, will not he reconsider his refusal and hold an inquiry?
§ The Prime MinisterA thorough overhaul of the organisation and methods of the Corporation, in which outside consultants have participated, has only recently been concluded, and it is thought that a further inquiry at present would have an unsettling effect throughout the organisation. As the hon. Member knows the deficits are steadily being reduced.
§ Mr. PerkinsWill the result of the inquiry be made public?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question.