§ 13. Mr. Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will take advantage of the visit of Dr. Evatt, the Australian Minister for External Affairs, to this country to discuss questions such as the future development of civil aviation and the setting up of a Commonwealth Air Board to reorganise the British Empire and Overseas Air Transport services?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansAs has already been stated, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in preliminary consultation with Dominion Governments on the general question of the future of civil aviation. During his stay in this country, Dr. Evatt, as Australian representative in the War Cabinet, will, of course, be available to take part in further discussions on the subject.
§ 50 Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister without Portfolio (1) whether any assurances or undertakings have been given by the Government to any person or company with regard to post-war civil aviation;
(2) whether his attention has been directed to the preparation being made by transport companies to run civil air lines, and the Chancery Division of the High Court confirmation of an alteration in the objects of Elder's and Fyffe's to enable the company to carry passengers and fruit by air and the stated aim of the company to establish, maintain and work lines of aerial conveyance; and what is his attitude to this development;
(3) whether consultations have taken place over civil aviation with the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or any other countries; and can he make a statement on the Government's policy in the matter?
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)It is, I think, essential that we should ascertain what measure of international co-operation can be arrived at in regard to civil aviation before attempting to commit ourselves as to the best form of the national set-up. As a first step and before making our proposals in regard to international co-operation we desire to have the fullest consultation with the Dominion and Indian Governments to see if we can agree upon a common policy. These discussions are now actively pro- 1514 ceeding. We hope on their conclusion to be in a position to formulate our proposals to other members of the United Nations. We shall not attempt to reach any conclusions with regard to the national setup until we have ascertained what measure of international co-operation is possible. In the meantime His Majesty's Government remain entirely uncommitted and have not given any assurances or undertakings. The fact that certain transport companies desire to run civil air lines is, of course, well known; and so long as it is plainly understood that His Majesty's Government are not committed we have no reason to object to any steps that such companies may find it convenient to take.
§ Mr. GranvilleDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answer mean that the designing and production of civil air liners or prototypes are included in the discussions with other countries, as well as the air lines?
§ Sir W. JowittI think if the hon. Gentleman will read the answer I have given, he will find it is quite clear.