§ 18. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Air the present position of the negotiations that have taken place to render possible the establishment of air services across the North Atlantic by Imperial Airways, Limited, and Pan-American Airways in co-operation?
Captain BalfourThe necessary permits for the operation of a regular service by Imperial Airways and Pan-American Airways in co-operation across the North Atlantic between the United Kingdom and New York via Eire, Newfoundland and Canada or via Bermuda were issued in 1937 to each company by the Governments concerned. The establishment in the United States of a new civil aeronautics authority has, however, made it necessary for Imperial Airways to apply for a new permit, and such application has been made. It is hoped that Imperial Airways will be ready to commence a scheduled seasonal service of an experimental character to the United States on 1st June next.
§ Mr. DayDoes that apply also to Newfoundland, and have the discussions with that country been completed satisfactorily?
§ Mr. SimmondsDo the permits exclude the possibility of the Governments of this country and of the United States granting similar privileges to the air-lines of a third country?
§ Mr. PerkinsIs there any truth in the rumour that the American air-lines are ready to start at once?
Captain BalfourWe had a report that the American air-lines were ready to start. We hope the start will be simultaneous, but if either country should be ready to start earlier than the other, we should not wish to place any obstacle in the way of their doing so.