§ 16. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can 318 state when the next meeting of the International Commission on Air Navigation is to be held; and whether any steps are to be taken by the British representatives to urge the establishment at an early date of improved conditions regarding the freedom of the air for commercial aviation?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe next meeting of the International Commission for Air Navigation will commence on 10th May next, at Rome. The main point which I think my hon. Friend has in mind deals with the establishment of regular air services over foreign territory. The principle of freedom of the air was advocated by His Majesty's Government at the special session of the commission held in June, 1929, to discuss this question, but in view of the large adverse majority on that occasion—27 States to four—my Noble Friend regrets that in his view no useful purpose would be served by re-opening the matter at this juncture. The Air Ministry will nevertheless continue to work for the adoption of the most liberal policy in this regard compatible with the decision of the commission and the efficient development of commercial aviation.