HC Deb 24 July 1952 vol 504 cc756-7

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

111. AIR COMMODORE HARVEY

To ask the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he can now announce the reconstitution of the Air Transport Advisory Council.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

I will, with permission answer Question No. 111.

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has re-appointed Lord Terrington, K.B.E., as Chairman of the Air Transport Advisory Council.

I have appointed the following members:

  • The Right Hon. Viscount Runciman, O.B.E., A.F.C. (Deputy-Chairman).
  • Sir John Ure Primrose, D.L., J.P.
  • Mr. Gerard D'Erlanger, C.B.E.
  • Mr. J. J. Taylor, O.B.E.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend accept congratulations on obtaining the services of these highly qualified gentlemen for a very important task?

Mr. Woodburn

Am I wrong in thinking that on the existing Advisory Council there was a member for Scotland? If not, what is the position regarding Scotland?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The right hon. Gentleman is certainly not wrong, and there is a member from Scotland on the new council. It is the same gentleman—Sir John Primrose.

Mr. Beswick

Have these "highly qualified gentlemen" been given the directive under which they will have to work? If so, when is the House to be told of its terms?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir. The House will indeed have the directive, as promised, laid in the Library as soon as possible. The Council are considering the directive, not with a view to having it altered, but as guidance for their form of procedure. I am very glad indeed that the Council has on it Mr. Taylor, the Secretary and General Manager of the Workers' Travel Association.

Mr. Beswick

In view of what the Minister said last week, and if the directive follows the lines then indicated, does not the Minister now think that the usefulness of the Council has come to an end? Would it not be much better if the Minister himself took full and sole responsibility for the damage he is about to do?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am very glad to say that all the members of the Council, including Mr. Taylor, approach their task with the utmost optimism.