§ 23. Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the future of British air transport?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe future of British civil air transport raises wide issues of Imperial and foreign policy. Consultations are going forward about these matters with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions and with the Government of India, and we are awaiting replies to certain communications. Therefore, I cannot now make any further statement.
§ Mr. PerkinsCan my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that he will make a full statement when the House reassembles after the Recess?
§ Sir A. SinclairI fully anticipate that when the House reassembles my hon. Friend will address a further Question to me, and I will then make the fullest answer I can.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not important that the Government should come to an early decision on this subject, which vitally affects the Mercantile Marine and involves other important issues?
§ Sir A. SinclairIt is important that we should come to a decision, but our Government is not the only Government concerned.
§ Captain Peter MacdonaldWill my right hon. Friend also consult with the Colonial Governments, which are very much involved?
§ Sir A. SinclairI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. and gallant Friend the Colonial Secretary is taking an intimate part in these discussions.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs it not a fact that some of the Dominions think that a conference on this subject is highly desirable? Does my right hon. Friend contemplate inviting them to a conference?
§ Sir A. SinclairThat is exactly the type of question I cannot answer at this stage. I have said that certain communications have been made to certain Governments, and we are awaiting their answers. Pending the receipt of their answers, I cannot make a further statement.