§ 34. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Aviation if Mr. Corbett, the accountant who is investigating the financial affairs of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, has had instructions to examine the circumstances under which the assets of the British Overseas Airways Corporation were represented in its accounts prior to those of 1961–62 as being £26,245,000 in excess of their true value; and if he will publish the result of this investigation.
§ Mr. J. AmeryMr. Corbett has hem asked to consider all matters relevant to an assessment of B.O.A.C.'s current position and prospects. On the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave in reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 18th February.
§ Mr. CroninIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been suggested in another place, and in the Press, that one of his predecessors put pressure on B.O.A.C. to suppress the true state of its assets? In view of this suggestion, is it not important that there should be a full and publicly-reported investigation as soon as possible?
§ Mr. AmeryI have seen the allegations to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I should prefer to await Mr. Corbett's final report before deciding what action should be taken.
Mr. LeeCan the Minister indicate how long he thinks we will have to wait for the report and affirm that it will be published?
§ Mr. AmeryI think that Mr. Corbett's report should be available in the course of March or early April. No—the report will be confidential to me.