HC Deb 15 April 1959 vol 603 cc81-2W
70. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what difficulties have arisen in connection with the operation of British Overseas Airways Corporation's service from San Francisco to Tokyo and Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement on the action he has taken in this matter.

74. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the reasons which have led to the postponement of the British Overseas Airways Corporation's inaugural round the world service.

83. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement about the action of the United States authorities in preventing the British Overseas Airways Corporation completing its round-the-world flight. and the representations he has made in this regard.

Mr. Watkinson

B.O.A.C., after making two pre-inaugural flights at the beginning of this month, postponed the introduction of their round the world service because they had not received the operating permit from the United States Civil Aeronautics Board required under United States law.

The right to operate the route was granted by the United States Government under their Air Services Agreement with the United Kingdom, which also provides that the operating permit shall be issued without undue delay. B.O.A.C. applied to the American Civil Aeronautics Board for the permit on 23rd October of last year but, notwithstanding the terms of the Agreement and assurances that the matter would be expedited, the Board have been unable to overcome the procedural delays that have arisen. It now seems unlikely that the permit will be issued until early next month. Repeated representations have been made to the American Authorities who have been left in no doubt about our great dissatisfaction at the way B.O.A.C. have been prevented from exercising rights which are granted under the Agreement. In addition to these representations H.M. Ambassador in Washington has now formally placed on record with the State Department our views on this matter.