11. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is taking to avoid delay in issuing operating licences recommended by the Air Transport Advisory Council.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo avoidable delay has arisen in dealing with recommendations from the Air Transport Advisory Council. But many of the applications are for international services and these involve reference to foreign Governments, whose consent must be obtained.
Air Commodore HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are indications that after these recommendations arrive at his Ministry they remain in the "pending" tray for a number of months, causing great inconvenience and possibly financial loss? Will he do what he can to speed them up?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIf my hon. and gallant Friend has any case in mind I will, of course, look into it. I would remind him that since 1st September, 1954, these applications have been coming in at three times the previous rate. Subject to the point I have made about consulting foreign Governments, I do not think there is any delay.