HC Deb 05 March 1958 vol 583 cc1161-2
33. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what standards of skill are required for those responsible for safety and maintenance of civil aircraft; and whether he is satisfied that there is adequate supervision to ensure reliability in service.

Mr. Watkinson

The Air Registration Board, under delegated powers, ensure the necessary standards of skill by licensing engineers and through the approval of firms' inspection organisations. I have no reason to doubt the adequacy of these arrangements.

Mr. Woodburn

Has not the Minister seen the allegations made by some of the technical staffs that the standard of efficiency in this matter has fallen very greatly and that there are not enough people in the industry to ensure adequate safety? Could he give a reassuring answer to the public on this matter?

Mr. Watkinson

I am grateful to the hon. Member. I must make it plain that I am not commenting on accidents on which I have not yet had reports, but the fact is that there is nothing in our Ministerial records, which go back to 1947, to indicate that any accident to public transport aircraft has been due to the failure of maintenance.

Mr. Beswick

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a quite outstandingly efficient general council for this industry and that if anybody connected with the industry has any substantial criticism to make they should put it in the first place before that council?

Mr. Watkinson

I entirely agree that that is the right thing to do, and I do not think that any such allegation has been made.