§ 32. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Aviation how many general directions have been given to British European Airways and British Overseas Airways Corporation, respectively, under the Air Corporations Act, 1949, and on what subjects.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Julian Amery)No general directions have been given under Section 5 of the Air Corporations Act, 1949. Under the corresponding powers in the Civil Aviation Act, 1946, one direction was given to British European Airways; that was in 1947, concerning the transfer of certain European routes from B.O.A.C. to B.E.A. The circumstances in which this direction was given are set out in the Reports of British European Airways and British Overseas Airways Corporation for the year 1947–48.
§ Mr. DigbyWhile not deprecating the value of the informal talks, is it not desirable that a few more directions should have been given over a period of14 years or more to make quite plain, in the national interest, what the views of the Government are?
§ Mr. AmeryI do not know whether my hon. Friend has any particular points in mind. It would be difficult to answer a general question of this character.