§ 49. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the statements in the White Paper (Cmd. 3204) to the effect that the Government proposes to subsidise the National Flying Services, Limited, and that this company has announced its intention to offer its shares for public subscription; and whether, in view of the fact that this House has not given its sanction to the proposed subsidy, he will give an early opportunity for the discussion of the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Air Estimates will afford the hon. and gallant Member an appropriate occasion for raising this matter.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the Prime Minister aware that this proposal has aroused great opposition not only from 1126 the point of view of civil aviation, but from the aspect of House of Commons control over its expenditure; and, in view of the fact that when the Estimates come forward it will be too late to prevent this scheme going through, will the, right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation to state the case in order that we may have an early discussion of the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. It will not be too late at all. The Air Estimates will be taken in the course of the next fortnight, and no money can be paid until the House has given its sanction. If the House does not give its sanction, then no money will be payable.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs it not clear that the House of Commons discretion will be completely fettered if this company has been floated arid this money has been subscribed by the public? Is it not a fact that, if the company set on foot all their plans, the House of Commons not have full liberty to reject their scheme?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not wish to anticipate the course of the debate, but I think the hon. and gallant Member is really quite wrong in his deductions. The Minister for Air has always power to make grants subject to the consent of Parliament in any direction which he thinks will facilitate aviation. This is such an occasion, and this scheme will be debated by the House of Commons. The Secretary f State for Air has no control over any company or body to which he may suggest giving a grant, and if they choose, to issue a prospectus and form a company the Minister cannot prevent them. If such a prospectus appears before the debate takes place, it will be stated perfectly clearly in the prospectus that the giving of a grant entirely depends on the Parliamentary Vote being granted. I do not know myself of my own knowledge whether that prospectus is to be issued in the immediate or the near future.
§ Mr. WALLHEADIs this policy not a direct incentive to people to anticipate filling their pockets at the Government's expense?