HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1707-8
54. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Minister without Portfolio what decisions have already been made by His Majesty's Government with regard to British air transport after the war?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

I have nothing to add at the moment to the statements which I made on 28th January in reply to Questions put by my hon. Friend the Member for the Stoke Division (Mr. Ellis Smith).

Mr. Simmonds

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this continued inaction, or apparent inaction, is giving rise to grave alarm, because after the war we must have trade and we cannot have trade without air transport?

Sir W. Jowitt

I am fully alive to the urgency of this matter.

Mr. Shinwell

When is my right hon. and learned Friend going to reach a decision on this very important matter? Without entering into competition with other nations who are now in alliance with us during the war, have we not got to safeguard our own interests in a vital matter of this kind?

Sir W. Jowitt

That was indicated in the answer which I have just given.

Mr. Shinwell

But the right hon. and learned Gentleman appears to be doing nothing in these matters. I am asking him categorically when he is going to reach a decision on the matter? How long will it take?

Sir W. Jowitt

I shall reach a decision at the earliest possible moment.