51. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will now make a statement on the possibility of British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways competing for trooping contracts.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Neil Marten)The Corporations can already compete for ad hoc trooping work, and I understand they contemplate putting proposals before the Air Transport Licensing Board for the carriage of troops on scheduled services at rebated fares. My right hon. Friend is examining the question of allowing the Corporations to compete for long term trooping contracts.
Mr. LeeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is the second point I am concerned about? Will he agree, now that the independents can obtain licences on the scheduled routes of the Corporations on the prextext that this brings competition into aviation, that it is only fair that we should reciprocate by giving the Corporations more freedom in trooping and other activities, since they have not the same freedom in such activities as the independents have?
§ Mr. MartenMy right hon. Friend is now considering this question.
§ Mr. LubbockWill the hon. Gentleman remember, when considering the award of trooping contracts to the Corporations, that they have a large number of aircraft which have been taken out of service and are sitting on the tarmac in mothballs?
§ Mr. MartenThese are matters to be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that unless a profitable use can be found by the independents for aircraft surplus to the requirements of the nationalised airlines, the 935 nationalised airlines will continue to make unexpectedly high losses?
§ Mr. MartenThat is rather a different question.