§ 12. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will give general directions to the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways to ensure the most useful and efficient air service to the Middle East, in order to further the national interest there and to avoid unnecessary and wasteful duplication of services.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIf the hon. Gentleman will let me know what he has in mind I will look into it. I doubt, however, whether a general direction would achieve his object.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs not the Minister aware that, owing to the clash between B.O.A.C. and its associates and B.E.A. and its associates in the Middle East area, there is grave danger regarding the effective use by B.O.A.C. of its established position there? Is he aware also that because of the delicate political atmosphere in that area it is all the more necessary to have a co-ordinating policy between airlines operating in and out of the Middle East? If I send the Minister a memorandum on the matter, will he consider it?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftCertainly.
§ Sir B. JannerWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering the point raised by my hon. Friend, will he take steps to ensure that no racial or religious discrimination is exercised against any personnel employed by either of the Corporations in respect of flights to, or touching down at, any airport in the Middle East?
Mr. ThomeycroftBoth the hon. Gentleman and I know something of the complexities of this area, but I will certainly bear in mind what he says.