§ 43. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any further state- 450 ment about the intentions of the Indian Government with regard to civil aviation; and whether the meteorological stations and principal aerodromes on the Karachi-Calcutta-Point Victoria route are to be maintained?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)I have nothing to add to the statement made on the 29th June except that the appointment of Deputy Director of Civil Aviation is being kept vacant; and I do not expect to be able to make any further statement until the Retrenchment Committee have reported.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCould not the right hon. Gentleman add something in reply to the last part of the question in view of its great importance in connection with our international obligations?
§ Mr. BENNI realise the importance of civil aviation, but the Government of India have to consider the more important question of financial stability.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend aware that, apart from economy and finance altogether, we have certain international obligations to put up these meteorological stations, and is this aspect kept in view?
§ Mr. BENNI have already answered the question, and, if further information is desired, it should be put on the Paper.