§ 44. Mr. Lyonsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any financial subvention has been given during 1935 or 1936, respectively, to any internal air lines in this country; the particulars of any appropriation thereof; and whether any such aid is now in contemplation?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)As regards the first and second parts of the question, no subsidies were paid from Air Votes to internal air lines in this country during the years mentioned. As regards the last part, the report of the Maybury Committee, while recommending Government assistance in the shape of the provision of radio facilities and air traffic control, deliberately excluded the method of Government subsidies as an aid to civil aviation in this country and such direct aid is not therefore in contemplation.
§ Mr. LyonsIn view of the cessation of many air lines in this country during the last 12 months and the complete lack of air traffic in many air ports, including that of the city of Leicester, will my right hon. Friend take some action to see whether the internal air services in this country can be maintained and improved?
§ Sir P. SassoonThat is another question.