§ 38. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation whether he has now received the appeal of the British Overseas Airways Corporation against the recent decision of the Air Transport Licensing Board on the Cunard Eagle application for a transatlantic service; and who has been appointed commissioner to hear the appeal.
§ Mr. RipponYes, Sir. Sir Fred E. Pritchard has kindly consented to hear this appeal on behalf of the Minister if convenient dates can be arranged.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWill the Minister state the qualifications of the gentleman who has been appointed for this very difficult task? Can he say when the appeal will be heard and whether it will be heard in public?
§ Mr. RipponSir Fred E. Pritchard is a retired High Court Judge of great distinction. Under the procedural rules the appeal cannot be heard before the middle of August. A date will be fixed which is convenient to the Commissioner and to the parties, but it may not be heard until the beginning of September. The appeal will be heard in public.