HC Deb 08 February 1960 vol 617 c18
27. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will require the next chairman of British Overseas Airways Corporation to give full-time attention to the appointment.

Mr. Sandys

That is a matter which I shall consider at the appropriate time.

Mr. Rankin

Is not this the appropriate time? As this appointment will be made in the course of this year, or at the beginning of next year, bearing in mind its importance, and recollecting the many difficulties that have been created at London Airport, would not the right hon. Gentleman give very serious consideration indeed to making this a full-time appointment, particularly as the Government themselves are to give B.O.A.C. more competition in the future than it has had in the past?

Mr. Sandys

I would not like to prejudge my own view at the appropriate time.

Mr. Strauss

Is the Minister aware that the present set-up—which we strongly criticised at the time—of having a part-time chairman, a full-time deputy-chairman, and a full-time executive, was bound to work badly, as, indeed, it has proved in practice? Will he, therefore, most carefully consider what the new set-up will be before he makes any decision?

Mr. Sandys

Of course, I will consider what the new set-up will be before I make a decision.

Mr. Strauss

But may I ask the Minister really to understand my question, which is really whether he will consider the difficulties that have arisen during the operation of the last arrangement before he comes to any decision about the new one?

Mr. Sandys

I am aware that that view is widely held; naturally, I will give due weight to it in deciding on any future appointment.