HC Deb 05 February 1941 vol 368 cc914-5
6. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air what organisation exists in his Ministry for the maintenance of essential Imperial air communications?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

Essential Imperial air communications are maintained by the British Overseas Airways Corporation. The whole of the undertaking of the corporation has, by order, been placed at my disposal during the war and it now operates under directions issued by me or on my behalf. As my hon. Friend is aware, there is in the Air Ministry a Department of Civil Aviation which is responsible for the conduct of official business in this sphere of activity and is the channel through which my directions are normally issued.

Mr. Simmonds

Has my right hon. Friend been aware of the sundry activities by other Departments tending to reduce these essential Imperial air communications, and will he therefore see that in the Ministry there is great vigilance, so that parts of the Empire air routes which are essential for military communication purposes are not shut down?

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, Sir; all parts of these air communications which are essential for military purposes are being maintained.