§ 19. Mr. John Grimstonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statment on the future employment of flight operations officers by British European Airways Corporation and British Overseas Airways Corporation, in view of the Attorney-General's observations at the inquiry into the accident to Viking aircraft, G/AHPN.
§ Mr. BeswickI am not prepared to comment, in advance of this report, on what is normally a matter of management for the Corporations.
§ Mr. GrimstonIs it not a fact that the Attorney-General said, and British European Airways Corporation agreed, that this accident would not have taken place if these officers had been employed?
§ Mr. BeswickNo, Sir. It is not a fact that the Attorney-General said that, nor that the British European Airways Corporation agreed with it.
§ Mr. GrimstonWill the hon. Gentleman read the issue of "Flight," in which the case is reported, where he will see that what I have said is true?
§ Mr. BeswickI have not only read the report, but have also discussed it with the Attorney-General. My right hon. and learned Friend made certain submissions which he asked to be taken into consideration but, as he made quite clear, he was not putting forward an opinion on this matter.