§ 32. Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the importance in the national interest of the air corporations having the best technical staff available, if he will give them a general direction not to deny promotion to engineers who may not belong to particular trade unions.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe management of the Corporations must decide on the suitability of individuals for promotion. They already give consideration to all members of their staff and a general direction is unnecessary.
§ Mr. WadeIf I send the Minister particulars, will he look into the case of an aircraft engineer employed by the British Overseas Airways Corporation who, I understand, was refused promotion to a higher grade on the ground that he refused to resign from a certain trade union as a condition of promotion? Will the Minister consider this as a matter of general policy?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIf the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars, I will look into the matter. I must make it plain that, as I have previously said, these matters are for the management and not for me.