§ 50. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has protested to the French Government against its threat to withdraw the permits to fly to France from unsubsidised British air-transport companies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI understand that the attitude of the French Government is that, if the authorisations in question are to be renewed, a commercial agreement regarding time-tables and rates must be concluded between all the French and British companies operating services on the London-Paris line. In view of the terms of the International Air Convention, the companies concerned have been advised to make every endeavour to satisfy the French condition.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIs it not a fact that these unsubsidised companies are running at lower rates than the subsidised companies and are making profits, and yet, so far as can be seen, His Majesty's Government are prepared to sacrifice these companies in order that they shall not create an unfavourable impression on the French Air Ministry? Will my right hon. Friend ensure the House that he will maintain the rights of those unsubsidised companies against the French Air Ministry?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThis case is one which is covered by the Air Navigation Convention, and the French authorities are within their rights.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSCould not my right hon. Friend emphasise to the French Government that the British Government regard the rights of these unsubsidised companies as equally important as those of the subsidised companies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNaturally we regard the rights of all companies as important. This is a question of their entering into negotiations with the French Government over rates and time-tables.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the French Government gets his answer?