Skyways Coach Air Limited

HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 c177W

81. Mr. Costain

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the future of Skyways Coach Air Limited and the employment of its staff.

Mr. Peyton

This is a matter for the Receiver, but I understand that a consortium of the staff have made an acceptable offer for Skyways' assets and are negotiating a contract with him with a view to operating an airline and keeping on most of the employees.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assurances of guaranteed routes have been given to the bidders for Skyways Coach Air.

Mr. Noble

I have been asked to reply.

I have given no assurances of this kind.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he refused to allow the Transport Holding Company to provide £100,000 as additional working capital to Skyways Coach Air Limited; and how many jobs are likely to be lost as a consequence.

Mr. Peyton

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the right hon. Member for Sheffield Park (Mr. Mulley) on 25th January. The question of redundancies is a matter for the Receiver and the prospective buyers who, I understand, hope to keep on most of the staff.—[Vol. 810, c. 31–33.]