§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD VIVIANMy leave to ask the Question my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the present staffing of the Flight Inspectorate of the Board of Trade.]
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, to meet the increased work resulting from the growth in civil air transport and the more advanced types of aircraft employed, the strength of the Flight Inspectorate has been substantially increased. The Board of Trade cannot be satisfied, however, until it is at its full planned strength. It is estimated that 33 inspectors are needed to carry out a fully effective inspection of airlines holding or applying for air operators certificates. Thirty officers are in post, including four under training. Recruitment is continuing, but of course the Board of Trade must maintain a very high standard in recruiting for this work.
§ LORD VIVIANMy Lords, may I thank the Minister for his very full and, I think, fairly satisfactory reply. But may I ask him whether he is aware that on January 29 (I think the noble Lord admitted this) the number of flight inspectors employed in the Flight Inspectorate numbered 30 to cover some 4,000 pilots and 400 aircraft of 40 commercial airlines operating from this country?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, there are 40 companies now holding the air operator's certificate. I think the 33 inspectors will be able to cover these satisfactorily.