HC Deb 19 July 1967 vol 750 cc2129-30
40. Mr. E. Rowlands

asked the President of the Board of Trade what criteria and standards have been laid down in the granting of air licences to companies for chartered flights.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The grant of air services licences to air operators, including the operators of charter flights, is the responsibility of the Air Transport Licensing Board. The Board is required to be satisfied, having regard to experience, financial resources, equipment, organisation and staffing, that any applicant for a licence is competent and a fit and proper person to operate that service.

Mr. Rowlands

Did the Air Traffic Licensing Board consider the financial stability of the Treffield Airline Company before granting a licence and, in giving this consideration, were the criteria and standards to which I have referred in the Question taken into account?

Mr. Mallalieu

Yes, Sir. The financial stability of this firm was examined and, at the time, it seemed satisfactory. Sub- sequently further investigations were put in train, just before the company went into liquidation.

Mr. Lubbock

Has the hon. Gentleman had a chance to consider the Report of the Air Safety Group on the limitation of hours and work of cabin staff as it affects air safety? When will he be letting the Group have the Department's reply?

Mr. Mallalieu

That is an entirely different question, but the answer is "Yes, Sir."