HC Deb 06 November 1961 vol 648 cc609-11
28. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Aviation when he proposes to provide adequate and suitable accommodation for the use of the Air Transport Licensing Board.

Mr. Woodhouse

A thorough survey is now being made and my right hon. Friend hopes soon to be able to offer the Board suitable accommodation in a more convenient place.

Mr. Johnson

I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply. As he knows, not only has the Board had occasion to complain about the inadequacy of the premises, but the many interested parties who have had to attend them suffered inconvenience.

Mr. Woodhouse

I am aware of the points that the hon. Gentleman has made, and I can assure him that they are appreciated.

30. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is satisfied that the Air Transport Licensing Board, when dealing with applications by foreign operators, has adequate power to assure itself that the operator is competent to carry out the tour proposed; and if he will introduce legislation to ensure that the public in this country is protected if the tours, when licensed, fail to materialise.

Mr. Woodhouse

The Air Transport Licensing Board is concerned only with nights by aircraft registered in the United Kingdom. Permission for flights by foreign registered aircraft is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, and his powers in this connection are adequate.

Mr. Johnson

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that, although it may be British flights which are the subject of the applications, foreign operators are submitting applications to the Licensing Board? As some concern has been expressed about that, will the hon. Gentleman look further into the position in order to ensure that the British public, when taking part in such flights, are protected in the event of default by a foreign operator?

Mr. Woodhouse

I shall certainly look into the point raised by the hon. Gentleman. If foreign operators are applying to the Licensing Board, they are applying to the wrong body.

Mr. Mason

Is it possible for independent airlines to register their aircraft overseas and, by so doing, by-pass our regulations?

Mr. Woodhouse

I will look into that point.