§ 41. Mr. Perkinsasked 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 air-lines in preference to British air-lines?
§ Sir P. SassoonI am informed that favourable progress has been made in the negotiations which have been taking place in regard to the use by British Airways, Limited, of the booking facilities of travel agencies, and I understand that agreement has been reached with the railway companies by which British Airways will be given the use of the booking agencies for their Continental services.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that mean that British passengers will be recommended to fly British?
§ Sir P. SassoonThey will have every opportunity to fly British if they want to do so.
§ Mr. PerkinsWould it be in order to thank the Minister for his considerable service to civil aviation?
§ Mr. MontagueCan the right hon. Gentleman say what are the precise business reasons why the railway companies are taking this attitude? What advantage do they get?
§ Sir P. SassoonI presume they are doing what they think best.