§ 54. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Secretary of State for Air what practical steps he has taken to encourage the inauguration of air transport services outside the British Isles by companies other than Imperial Airways, Limited?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)My hon. Friend is aware of the existing contracts with Imperial Airways and of the arrangements approved by the late Government with regard to the expansion and improvement of the Empire routes. The Air Ministry has assisted other companies by supporting the necessary applications to foreign Governments and by providing as far as possible essential meteorological and wireless facilities.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIs my right hon. Friend not aware that this is a very poor form of assistance compared with that 2301 which foreign Governments are giving to their nationals; and will he not consider taking much more energetic steps to encourage other British companies to open up foreign air routes?