§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the value in £ million of United Kingdom aerospace industry exports for the period 1968 to 1973 measured by (a) complete aircraft, (b) aircraft parts, (c) engines (i), new, (ii) used, and (iii) parts.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe following is the information:
of Western Jets Ltd. after 31st March 1974.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe Civil Aviation Authority has informed me that the air travel organiser's licence of the firm trading as Western Jet expired on 31st March and that a warning was given that further operations after that date would be unlawful pending the issue of a new licence. Some weeks ago the authority received reports that Western Jet was continuing to do business as an air travel organiser. These are under investigation, with a view to the possible initiation of legal proceedings. I have received no communication from ABTA on this subject.
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§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will conduct an inquiry into the handling of the withdrawal of operating licences by the CAA from Western Jets Ltd. and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIn the light of this and other cases the Civil Aviation Authority has already announced certain changes in its arrangements for publishing information about the licensing status of particular firms. It has also informed me that it is likely to make proposals to my right hon. Friend for an amendment to the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) Regulations 1972. The authority will be glad to let my hon. Friend have any further information he may seek about the Western Jet case.
§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has now been officially informed of the bankruptcy of the air charter firm Western Jets Ltd.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisNo. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to his previous Question on 19th July. So far as I am aware Columbia Air Charter and Tour Brokers Ltd. is not in liquidation or receivership.