HC Deb 03 June 1959 vol 606 cc178-9
33. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what decision he has taken upon the recent application of Eagle Airways to operate selected low-fare scheduled services to certain Colonial Territories; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Watkinson

I received the Report and recommendations of the Air Transport Advisory Council on these applications on 1st June. I am now considering its recommendations, but it may be some little time before I can make my decision known.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Minister intend to make a statement to the House before he comes to a final conclusion, and will he make it quite clear that his decision on this matter is, of course, his own, and not that of the Air Transport Advisory Council?

Mr. Watkinson

Yes. The constitutional position is that the Council gives advice, but the responsibility is mine and I accept it. I shall, of course, inform the House of what I decide in due course, but I must warn the House that this is a very complicated matter, in which other Governments are involved, and it may well be some considerable time before I feel that I can take an appropriate decision.