HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc1125-6
19. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what new general directions have been issued to the corporations, and what new arrangements have been made with the independent air operating companies, as regards air trooping.

Mr. Watkinson

The Answer to both parts of the Question is "None, Sir".

Mr. Beswick

While the Answer may be that no directions have been issued and no arrangements have been made with specific independent companies, is it not a fact that an agreement has been made in principle that the Britannia aircraft already bought by the Government should be used by the independent companies?

Mr. Watkinson

That is quite a different Question. I have answered the Question which the hon. Gentleman put down and have given him the correct Answer, which is that no directions have been issued and no new arrangements have been made.

Mr. Beswick

There is here a question of policy. The Minister is well aware of the principle that I am getting at Would he not agree that the House is entitled to know whether a departure has been made from the policy already laid down by his Government? Does not the purchase of the Britannia aircraft mean that there has been a departure, decided in principle but not announced in this House?

Mr. Watkinson

I hope that if I were making a complete departure in policy I should be courteous enough to inform the House.