HC Deb 28 April 1937 vol 323 cc327-8
42. Mr. Perkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what progress, if any, has been made in the negotiations with the railway companies with regard to their booking agents encouraging British passengers to fly on German and Belgian machines in preference to British machines?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)

As I stated on 21st April, in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for the Erdington Division of Birmingham (Wing-Commander Wright), negotiations in regard to this matter are proceeding between the parties concerned. The Air Ministry is being kept generally informed as to these negotiations, which, I understand, are making progress, but I am advised that its direct intervention at the present stage would not advance matters.

Mr. Perkins

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that these negotiations started either last June or last July? Can he give an assurance that railway air services will not be allocated to any of the proposed internal routes, as proposed by the Maybury Committee, until such time as they adopt a more patriotic attitude towards British aviation?

Sir P. Sassoon

I should like to have notice of that question.