HL Deb 01 July 1968 vol 294 cc3-4

2.39 p.m.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why no commercial aviation pilot of suitable and recent experience was nominated as a member of the new Lord Airport inquiry; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now consider such an addition to the Committee membership.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, as I said in answer to a similar Question on June 27, the field of expertise covered by the membership of the Commission is already wide and it would be impossible to include representation of all aspects relevant to this matter. The Commission, of course, will be free to seek outside advice from whatever sources they wish and interested individuals and bodies, such as the British Airline Pilots Association, will have the opportunity to submit evidence.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, arising out of that reply, may I ask the Minister whether he appreciates that my Question is really very different from the one to which he referred, in that this Question refers to the most honourable and skilled body of commercial captains of aircraft who, after all, will be the constant and permanent users of the airport? Therefore, is it not logical that a member of that profession should be included in this Commission? Will the Government not be obstinate on this matter but reconsider it?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I quite agree the Question is different, but I am afraid the answer is the same. The noble Lord knows that I think a pilot point of view would be useful, but I am abso- lutely certain that, although they are not represented on the Commission, their point of view will be known and will be taken into account.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, is it not important that an experienced pilot should be able to give evidence during the discussions that the Commission no doubt will have? That is the point. Surely a very widely experienced pilot must be able to make a most valuable contribution to the deliberations of this body.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, there will be more discussion on this matter than there has ever been in the history of Commissions, and I am absolutely certain that there will be an opportunity for flying personnel, either individually or through their association, to make known their points of view. Setting up a Commission of this kind is a difficult matter if everyone is to be represented. I should have thought that the present size was large enough. As I said last week, although each of us might have shaped the Commission just a little differently I hope that now they have been appointed, we can let them get on with their work.