HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 c1650
57. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, in the public interest, issue a general direction to the Air Transport Licensing Board that the Board should arrange to hear all applications for licences and permissions with the least possible delay.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

No. Sir. The Board of Trade has no powers to issue such a direction nor do I see the need for one. The Air Transport Licensing Board is well aware of the need to act as quickly as possible.

Mr. Fortescue

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that, in at least one recent case, six months elapsed between the filing of the application to the Board and the hearing? Will he either appoint full-time members of the Board or see that it meets more frequently?

Mr. Mallalieu

I agree on the need for speed. I should like to have details of the case the hon. Gentleman has mentioned.

Mr. Onslow

Will the hon. Gentleman assure us that in any case he is not utterly complacent about the way in which the Board handles these matters?

Mr. Mallalieu

Yes. Sir. The procedure is being kept under continual review.