HC Deb 04 March 1963 vol 673 cc13-4
26. Mr. K. Lewis

asked the Minister of Aviation what changes in the allocation of trooping contracts are proposed as between the State corporations and the independent airlines.

Mr. J. Amery

I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Lewis

In view of the fact that the independents, which have made a great contribution to British aviation, particularly since the war, have not in fact got the number of scheduled routings which they expected, can my right hon. Friend assure me that they will not be subject to unfair competition from the nationalised airlines when it comes to the question of contracts for trooping?

Mr. Amery

As my hon. Friend knows, the question of allowing the nationalised corporations to enter the field of trooping contracts arose as a result of the extension of the opportunities available for the independents. I quite agree that, in deciding whether or not to open this new field to the nationalised corporations, we have to be clear how far the independents not only have the rights but are able, in practice, to exercise them.