HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc433-4
38. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air on how many occasions during the past three months aircraft of the Queen's Flight have been in use; and for what purposes.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. W. J. Taylor)

In the last three months aircraft of the Queen's Flight have made thirty Royal flights and eight other flights carrying senior Ministers and other important passengers.

Mr. Hughes

How many aircraft are used for this purpose? Does not the Under-Secretary think that some co-ordination could be effected and money saved if these craft were placed at the disposal of the other nationalised industries?

Mr. Taylor

With regard to the establishment, at present the Queen's Flight consists of 4 Herons—1 Heron C.3 and 3 C.4 types—2 Whirlwind helicopters and 1 Chipmunk. The Flight is established primarily for short-range flights. If the hon. Member wants any information about extending the use of the Queen's Flight for other purposes, he must table a detailed Question.

Sir J. Duncan

In his Answer my hon. Friend referred to senior Ministers and other important people. Does he regard Ministers as all that important?

Mr. Taylor

That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. Shinwell

Were any aircraft of the Queen's Flight recently used to convey certain high-ranking people—not Ministers—to a wedding in Greece? Was Lord Mountbatten transported in that fashion?

Mr. Taylor

That is a question which should be put on the Order Paper so that I can give a detailed Answer.