§ 13. Mr. Mulleyasked the Minister of Defence to what extent air trooping and other air transport requirements of the Services have been restricted as a result of the recent decision of British United Airways to dismiss a large number of its personnel and thus curtail its activities.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThere has been no restriction in the services provided by this company to the Forces.
§ Mr. MulleyIn view of the possible difficulties of a cut down in the availability of charter transport, is the Minister reviewing the transport requirements of the Services and considering whether a greater part of them could be the responsibility of the Royal Air Force?
§ Mr. WatkinsonRoyal Air Force Transport Command is increasing in size all the time. If there were an emergency—I mean, in the sense either of warlike operations or an acute defence emergency—then, of course, there are adequate aircraft to cope with any particular moves. The moves the hon. Member has referred to are normal trooping, a process which, of course, does not depend on accuracy to a day or two. I will certainly look into the whole problem. I am very anxious that people should not have their leave curtailed because there are not sufficient aircraft to move them on the due dates.