§ 43. Mr. HORE-BELISHA (for Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY)asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made with the negotiations for the proposed British-German air traffic 626 agreement; whether British commercial aircraft are now permitted to fly freely over German territory; and what progress has been made with the British air line from London to Prague?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the first part of the question, the draft of a new British-German air traffic agreement has been prepared, and will shortly be ready for reference to the German authorities for their consideration. As regards the second part, pending the negotiation of this agreement, permission to operate the British air services to Berlin and Cologne has been extended to 31st December, but any other flights into or over Germany would have to be specially authorised. As regards the last part, provisional proposals for an air services between Cologne and Prague have recently been formulated as a result of discussions between British and Czechoslovakian representatives, and are now under consideration by the Czechoslovakian Government.
§ Commander BELLAIRSCould my hon. Friend state who conducts these negotiations—whether the Air Ministry conduct them directly, or whether they are conducted by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt depends entirely on the negotiations.
§ Commander BELLAIRSI do not understand that answer.