HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 cc1330-1
32. Commander Pursey

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty why the Director Commandant of the Women's Royal Naval Service was provided with a special Service aircraft to fly from Lee-on-Solent to Oslo on 27th May; if he will state the type of aircraft, the number and ranks of the crew, the number of days the aircraft was away from its base, and the cost of petrol, oil and other expenses; what steps were taken, and with what result, to compare the total cost with that of a return fare by British European Airways scheduled aircraft; and why this lady did not travel by this method.

Mr. Hay

The Director of the Women's Royal Naval Service, accompanied by her secretary, a 2nd officer, W.R.N.S., was flown from Lee-on-Solent to Oslo on 27th May for the purpose of paying an official visit of inspection to the W.R.N.S. unit stationed in this foreign capital and of advising the Royal Norwegian naval authorities on certain matters connected with their own women's naval service. The aircraft used was a Sea Devon of the communications flight of the Royal Naval Home Air Command. Its crew consisted of one lieutenant R.N. and one petty officer. It was away from its base for just over four days; but during part of that time it was engaged on other duty flights. The cost of the petrol and oil consumed in connection with the visit of D.W.R.N.S. and of subsistence for the crew in Oslo was about £100.

The tourist class return fare by B.E.A. would have been £52 11s. per passenger.

Commander Pursey

At how many naval air stations is there a policy of giving joy rides to all civilians, irrespective of the cost? What control is exercised by the Admiralty over the unnecessary use of Service aircraft to prevent the waste of large sums of money, particularly when civilian scheduled air services are available? Who approved this expensive flight and why did this lady not travel by B.E.A.?

Mr. Hay

With respect, I should have thought that, in the light of the facts I have been able to give, the hon. Gentleman would have chosen the opportunity of his supplementary question to withdraw some of the statements he made to the Press about this matter before he knew what the facts were.