HC Deb 21 January 1959 vol 598 cc197-8
35. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent he now proposes a change of policy in regard to revising and widening the terms of reference of the Air Transport Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

I do not intend to lay proposals to this end before Parliament in the current Session.

Mr. Beswick

What was the purpose of the right hon. Gentleman's reference in his speech at the Air Transport Independent Association dinner? Is he intending to give that organisation more facilities or not? Would it not be much better, instead of giving hints like this in public and promises in private, that he should make a clear indication of his intentions in Parliament?

Mr. Watkinson

I have given no hints in public and promises in private. I said that it would be a good thing that if all those who were interested discussed the proposition that we should have a more broadly based licensing authority for the air. My suggestion seems to have been well received.

Mr. Beswick

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has conveyed to the independent operators in private and by hints in public that he is preparing to give them greater facilities with regard to licences for new routes? Is he not aware that this produces a feeling of uncertainty among both the corporations and the employees of the corporations? Will he clear the matter up?

Mr. Watkinson

It might well do so if it were a fact, but it is not.