HC Deb 04 July 1951 vol 489 cc215-6W
28. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the estimated shortage of air transport pilots for civil aviation corporations and companies in Great Britain; and what steps are being taken to increase the number available.

Mr. Beswick

There is no shortage of pilots in British Overseas Airways Corporation but British European Airways Corporation require 40 more. The charter industry give estimates of a requirement up to about 100 pilots.

These shortages have arisen because releases of trained pilots from the Services are at present severely restricted. The short-term need has been alleviated by various expediencies, but a longer term scheme to attract pilots to civil aviation through National Service training is under consideration.