asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether the regulations under Section 36 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1949, have yet been framed; and, if not, how soon it is expected to complete these regulations.

The regulations are in an advanced stage of drafting, but a number of points of legal difficulty have arisen which have not yet been resolved. We are examining these points with other Departments concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has now been outstanding some time, and that until the regulations are framed former employees of Southampton Airport are unable to put in their claims against his Ministry? Will he be fair to these people and get a move on?

I understand that two people are involved. I agree that the legal people have been rather slow in this matter, which is not unusual in their profession.