HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 cc990-1
27. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation under what regulation he has powers to suspend or revoke the licences of aircrew; whether the regulations provide for any hearing of aircrew concerned before a decision is made, or any appeal after the decision is made; and how far he is empowered by regulation to restrict rather than completely suspend an aircrew licence.

Mr. Maudling

Article 28 of the Air Navigation Order, 1949, gives powers to suspend or revoke aircrew licences. Provision is made for investigation before taking such action, but in any particular case the Minister may suspend a licence provisionally pending investigation. No specific provision is made for appeal against such decisions, although the licence holder is, of course, free to make any representations he wishes. The Article includes powers for the restriction of a licence as an alternative to suspension.

Mr. Beswick

I do not wish to comment on a recent case, but would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the procedure disclosed was unsatisfactory, and will he undertake to get in touch with the Airline Pilots' Association with a view to developing a more satisfactory and fair procedure in these cases?

Mr. Maudling

I am very glad at any time to listen to the views of the Airline Pilots' Association on this very important question, but I would not agree that the present situation is not satisfactory. The overriding responsibility of my right hon. Friend is to make sure that no one is held up to the public as possessing qualifications certified by the Minister if the Minister is of opinion that he is an unsatisfactory person to hold such qualifications.

Mr. Beswick

But am I right in thinking that, on the other hand, the Minister would not wish to deprive an individual of his livelihood if he is capable of carrying out duties rather more restricted than those hitherto carried out?

Mr. Maudling

I have no desire whatever to deprive any individual of his livelihood, but neither have I any desire to reduce the standards of safety to which the public are entitled.