HC Deb 17 June 1953 vol 516 cc951-2
10. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation for a statement about the recent conference of the Commonwealth Air Transport Council.

Mr. Profumo

The fourth meeting of the Commonwealth Air Transport Council opened in London on 10th June and lasted for three days. Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Southern Rhodesia, the Union of South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Colonial Empire were represented. A useful exchange of views on national policies for air transport took place, in course of which the opportunity was taken to explain to Commonwealth delegates how the civil aviation policy of the present United Kingdom Government had been designed to give greater scope to independent operators while safeguarding the position of the airways Corporations on their established routes. Among other subjects discussed were the problem of noise at airports, future aircraft requirements and the question of regulating the lengths of runways to match the future development of civil aircraft.

Mr. Beswick

May I congratulate the Government on the excellent idea of having a conference on this matter at this time? Can I ask the hon. Gentleman, also, whether any decision was come to as to the agenda at any future meetings?

Mr. Profumo

No action has directly flowed from the Commonwealth Air Transport meeting because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, this is consultative in its character. I am very grateful for the tribute which the hon. Gentleman pays. I am sure we are all agreed that this is a very useful body indeed, which will be meeting again in the not too distant future.

Air Commodore Harvey

Was any agreement reached about future types of aircraft which are now to be designed?

Mr. Profumo

Yes, that was one of the subjects which were discussed.