HC Deb 04 March 1936 vol 309 c1373
49. Sir HUGH SEELY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the. tentative agreement which has been entered into between the Government of Great Britain, the Government of Newfoundland, Imperial Airways, and Pan-American Airways under which, when Pan-American Airways finally agreed, implementing legislation would be passed; and whether he could explain why the consent of a foreign-owned operating company is necessary for the development of any route within the British Empire?

Sir P. SASSOON

I assume the hon. Member has in mind the negotiations in 1933 to which I referred in my reply on 19th February to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander). The arrangement then contemplated was the securing of rights in the United States for Imperial Airways in return for the grant of rights to Pan-American Airways in Newfoundland.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Is it right to accept the word "consent" as equivalent to "agreement"?

Sir P. SASSOON

If we want to secure rights for British air services in foreign territory, it will be necessary to give some reciprocal concession in British territory.