HL Deb 17 July 1972 vol 333 cc660-2WA
THE EARL OF KINNOULL

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received the report from the British Airways Board outlining proposals for the future organisation of British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation ; and whether they will make a statement.

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORT-FOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)

Yes, my honourable friend the Minister for Aerospace has received the report of the Airways Board provided for in Section 39 of the Civil Aviation Act 1971, and it is presented to Parliament to-day. I should like to congratulate the Board on the speed with which this Report has been presented.

The report recommends important changes in the organisation of the public sector airlines, although B.E.A. and B.O.A.C. continue as the main operating units in the group. The recommendations and programme for further work are consistent with the Government's objectives in setting up the Airways Board and are, therefore, acceptable to the Govern- ment. Accordingly, my honourable friend has to-day given his consent to their being implemented.

As the report makes clear, the conclusions reached by the Airways Board provide a framework for further work to be done on the best organisation for certain activities and the need for legally separate Air Corporations. The Chairman of the Airways Board, Mr. Nicolson, has said that the Board will be pressing on with their consideration of these subjects and will report to my honourable friend on the legal status of the Corporation as soon as possible.

House adjourned at five minutes past ten o'clock.