HC Deb 24 April 1940 vol 360 cc184-5
10. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with reference to the British trans-Atlantic air services for 1940?

Captain Balfour

As has already been announced, it had been hoped to reopen this important service during the present year. Recent developments have, however, made it necessary to divert the aircraft intended for use on this service to certain defence purposes for which they are particularly suited. Iregret that at the present time defence needs must claim priority and that it will not, therefore, be possible to operate the service this year. I need hardly add that this decision has been taken with reluctance and that every effort will be made to reopen the service as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. Simmonds

Although these requirements must clearly be afforded priority, could my hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that, seeing that these boats were required for Empire communication services, the matter will be carefully kept in view from month to month to see whether, in fact, they can be put back on the trans-Atlantic service?

Captain Balfour

Indeed, the matter shall be kept under review to see whether, when defence needs have been considered, these boats can be released, and I would inform my hon. Friend and the House that we are endeavouring to make arrangements that any conversion to military use of these boats shall be of such a nature as not to impede their ultimate use for civil aviation purposes.