HC Deb 01 July 1941 vol 372 c1211
44. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether his Department is considering the possibilities of extending civil aviation within this country and for foreign travel at the close of the war?

The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

Yes, Sir; the future possibilities of civil aviation are the subject of special consideration and inquiry.

Mr. Davies

Will His Majesty's Government bear in mind the possibilities of keen competition for civilian air travel between the several countries of Europe at the close of the war?

Mr. Greenwood

As a matter of fact, this is a very wide question covering a large number of Departments, and we are working co-operatively to evolve a general policy which will be to our advantage and that of other countries.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the great importance of this matter, is the right hon. Gentleman's Department in touch with Free French and other experts who have given great attention to the matter in years gone by?

Mr. Greenwood

At the present stage of investigation we are dealing with our own problems, the Air Ministry, the Treasury, the Colonial Office, India and Burma, and so on. Until we have got our picture more clear, it is a little too early to go further, but I will bear that point in mind.