§ 33. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what are the principal points of difficulty that have arisen in negotiating with the French Government for permission for British aircraft carrying commercial loads to fly between Le Bourget and Marseilles; and whether he is aware that no similar difficulties experienced by the K.L.M. lines of Holland?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 1st November, negotiations are in progress on the subject. I hope that a satisfactory settlement of these negotiations may be reached before long, and in the circumstances I should prefer not to make any statement at the present moment.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIn view of the fact that British air lines continue to be at a disadvantage, will the right hon. Gentleman say how soon he expects a settlement
§ Mr. SIMMONDSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think, seeing that this matter has gone on from year to year, and that the French Government have prevented our having an effective Imperial air service, that it is time to consider taking reprisals, if that should. unfortunately, be necessary?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI have said that negotiations are proceeding.