§ 11. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Aviation how many persons are employed per active aircraft by British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation, respectively.
§ Mr. Mulley185 and 408 respectively.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Pan-Am, which is a comparable airline, employs only 200 persons against 408 by B.O.A.C? In view of the fact that labour shortage is the biggest problem facing this country, what is the right hon. Gentleman doing to put this matter right?
§ Mr. MulleyIt is always a little dangerous to make a comparison of this sort between one airline and another, because the sizes of aircraft and the route patterns vary so much. It certainly would not be fair to compare B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. on this basis, and I do not think that the hon. Gentleman intends that. B.O.A.C. has made rapid progress in increasing the number of hours flown and the reduction of staff', and I am sure that this programme is going on.
§ Mr. RankinCan my right hon. Friend say how the safety record of 1299 British aircraft compares with the safety record of American aircraft?
§ Mr. MulleyWhile we should not be complacent, we can say that we have an exceptionally high record of safety with British aircraft, but I could not give figures without notice.