§ 18. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that there is no direct communication between Great Britain and the Irish Free State by air; and whether he will consult with the appropriate authorities of the Irish. Free State to remedy this inconvenience, which is a matter of concern to many people in this country?
§ Sir F. THOMSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the 357 establishment of an air service between Great Britain and the Irish Free State would be a matter for private enterprise and in these circumstances, though my Noble Friend is in full sympathy with the object in view, he does not consider there would be any advantage in consultation with His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that anyone who wishes to proceed from Great Britain to Southern Ireland at the present time by air, finds it necessary to charter a special aeroplane to Dublin and then proceed from Dublin to his destination in Southern Ireland?
§ Sir F. THOMSONI see the hon. Member's point quite clearly but, as I have stated, this would be a matter for private enterprise.