§ 2.39 p.m.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether any statement can be made on the position of the strike of certain B.O.A.C. employees, and its effect on public air transport services; and if they can give an assurance that the dispute shall not interfere with prompt and regular despatch of air mails to the British Forces serving in Korea.]
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIA-TION (LORD PAKENHAM)My Lords, I am informed that members of the Elec-trical Trades Union employed by the 601 British Overseas Airways Corporation at London Airport are on strike in protest against the employment in the same shops of two workers who are alleged not to be members of their Union. Ser-vices to Asia and the East coast of South America are suspended. Others are not at present affected. B.O.A.C. are arranging for passengers booked on the suspended services to travel by other air-lines. I am informed by my right honourable friend the Postmaster-General that arrangements have been made for the carriage of Forces mail to and from Korea to be routed daily via the United States of America. This will involve no delay in despatch, but this westward route may take two to three days longer than the eastward route on which B.O.A.C.'s services are now suspended.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that this stand by a nationalised corporation against the principle of the closed shop and in protection of minority individuals will find wide support through-out the country?