HC Deb 29 May 1957 vol 571 cc396-7
18. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proposals have been put to him by the air Corporations for the possible future operation of air trooping; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

No such proposals have been put to me.

Mr. Beswick

I am not quite sure how far back the right hon. Gentleman is going. If he goes back further than the last few weeks, would his answer not be in the affirmative? Would he confirm that the Corporations are ready to undertake air trooping if given the opportunity?

Mr. Watkinson

No, Sir. What I would confirm is that it is my view, as it was the view of my predecessors, that the Corporations should stick to their main field, which is the operation of scheduled services, and should leave trooping to independent operators.

Mr. Bellenger

Are the Service Departments free and unfettered in making requests to the State airlines to carry troops?

Mr. Watkinson

The right hon. Gentleman must put that question to the relevant Service Department.