HC Deb 16 November 1953 vol 520 cc112-3W
13 and 14. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Supply (1) the extent to which, and the manner in which, his Department acts as a purchasing agent for supplies other than aircraft for British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways Corporation;

(2) the extent to which, and the manner in which, his Department acts as a purchasing agent for aircraft for British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways Corporation.

Mr. Sandys

In 1949 the arrangement whereby the Ministry of Supply acted as agent for the Corporations was brought to an end. The Corporations are completely free to buy their aircraft and equipment direct from the manufacturers. Since that date the Corporations have normally undertaken their purchasing work quite independently, although they have occasionally asked the Ministry of Supply to act for them.