§ 35 and 36. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister (1) if he will consider the advisability of publishing the scheme for the internationalisation of civil aviation which has been under the consideration of the Government for the past year, in view of the widespread public interest in this question;
(2) whether the investigations carried out during the past year with regard to the international control of civil aviation included the possible establishment of an international aerial police force as an essential part thereof?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe subject has been before His Majesty's Government in all its aspects. As the hon. Member knows, there are many possible variations and concomitants of such a policy. These have been widely debated both in Parliament and in the Press, and I see no advantage in publishing anything on the subject at this juncture.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand that the question of an international aerial police force has been considered in connection with the problems under the Goverment's consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes; everything connected with this subject has been considered by the Government; and has been very largely debated in this House.
§ Mr. MANDERWould it not assist those outside the House who are anxious to assist the Government with expert advice—[Laughter]—there are many different points of view—if they knew the nature of the problems and difficulties that the Government are up against? Would it not be in the general interest to let us know the particular schemes that have been considered?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs it contemplated that this police force should be armed with machine guns or truncheons?