MY views on the Civil Aviation Authority and the “second force” airline cannot ignore the political controversy which has taken place concerning the base from which the airline should be able to operate successfully. This controversy began very shortly after publication of the Report of the Edwards Committee in May 1969, and the recent debate in the House of Commons provided another unedifying example of a misguided preoccupation with political dogma at a time when the new regulatory body should be given every encouragement to get to grips with the many problems which face it.

The debate is over. Now begins the task of strengthening British civil aviation and providing for the legitimate needs of the growing number of people to whom in one way or another air transport is an essential element of everyday life.