§ 67. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the German Government has withdrawn all restrictions on British civil aeroplanes flying over German territory; and when it is intended to establish the civil air line between London and Prague, as desired by both His Majesty's Government and the Czechoslovakian Government?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. Member say whether the restrictions have been removed?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAn agreement was reached in June of this year, but it has not yet been ratified.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat is the position?
§ Sir P. SASSOONCertain legislation must be passed in Germany before ratification.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Member aware that the French have come to an agreement long ago and that we are the only country which has not permission to fly over German territory?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThat is not our fault.
§ Following is the answer:
§ As regards the first part of the question, the Anglo-German Air Traffic Agreement was signed at Berlin on 29th June last and will come into force as soon as it has been ratified. Ratification by Germany involves certain legislative measures which have not yet been completed, but in the meantime it has been arranged that occasional flights may be made without special permission between the two countries in accordance with the stipulations of the Agreement. Under the Agreement the establishment of regular air services by nationals of the one State over the territory of the other will require the formal permission of the competent aviation authorities of the latter country in each case. As regards the second part of the question, the negotiations between the Czechoslovak Government and Imperial Airways, Limited, for the extension of the London-Cologne air service to Prague have so far proved abortive, and pending a settlement it would be premature for His Majesty's Government to re-open with the German Government the question of permission for this service.