§ 32. Mr. Doughtyasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many four-engined aeroplanes are owned and operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he is satisfied that this number of aeroplanes is sufficient to maintain regular services of sufficient frequency on the many routes operated by the Corporation.
§ Mr. NeaveSixty-eight four-engined aircraft are at present owned and operated by B.O.A.C. The number of aircraft owned and operated is not by itself a measure of the adequacy of the fleet. B.O.A.C. still has to operate some aircraft which are not fully competitive. This situation is being progressively improved as the new aircraft on order come into service.
§ Mr. DoughtyIs it a fact that even including the obsolescent aircraft, B.O.A.C. does not possess nearly enough aircraft for providing services on all its routes, whatever it may hope for the future?
§ Mr. NeaveI do not accept what my hon. and learned Friend says. The situation will improve. For instance, there are five more Britannia 312's to come early next year, and there are nineteen Comet IV's on order between September, 1958, and December, 1959. The position, therefore, will gradually improve.