§ 26. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Aviation whether he has given further consideration to the inquiry into the affairs of the British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he is satisfied that the scope and nature of the inquiry is adequate to deal with the problems involved.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Julian Amery)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs my right hon. Friend really telling the House that he thinks it is desirable to have an inquiry of this nature by only one accountant for a corporation having capital of hundreds of millions and having worldwide ramifications? Does he really believe that this report, which must inevitably involve the highest level of management, will really command confidence?
§ Mr. AmeryI have told Mr. Corbett that he is free to call in outside experts to help him whenever he wishes. I understand that he has done so on a number of occasions. I prefer to leave Mr. Corbett to write his report in any way he thinks fit, having taken all the advice which he himself thinks necessary.
§ Mr. RankinIs it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman during the debate said that this report was to be to him? Am I correct in assuming he is going to bring it to Parliament before he takes any further steps?
§ Mr. AmeryI am awaiting first of all Mr. Corbett's report, which is to be a report to me, and I will then, of course, tell the House about—and no doubt discuss with the House—any steps I may take beyond that.