§ 14. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation if Her Majesty's Government has ratified or proposes to ratify the International Convention which recently agreed to increase the powers of aircraft commanders in respect of passengers who endanger the safety of the aircraft or break the laws of its country of registration.
§ Mr. MartenThe Convention, which was signed by our plenipotentiaries on 14th September, 1963, is now being examined in detail. When this is completed, the question of ratification will be considered.
§ Mr. RankinWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that commanders of aircraft should have all the authority necessary for the safe conduct of their 970 machines? When it is sought to increase the legal powers of the captains, as in this case, will he remember that he might come up against difficulties on international routes because of language complications? Would he not agree that it might be better to increase the discretion of the captain in landing his 'plane in cases of sudden difficulty?
§ Mr. MartenI am most grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his views and, as we are studying this Convention, we will certainly take note of what he has just said.