HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 c481
17. Mr. Perkins

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of a report just issued by a Committee of the American House of Representatives forecasting that 500,000 people will be flying their own aeroplanes and 20,000,000 passengers will be travelling every year by commercial air-lines; and whether he anticipates any similar developments in the Empire?

Sir A. Sinclair

I have not seen the report referred to, but I understand that it was submitted by a Select Committee of the House of Representatives appointed to investigate air accidents. As regards the second part of the Question, the answer is in the affirmative. The scale of expansion is, of course, a matter of conjecture.

47. Mr. Perkins

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of civil air transport in the Empire, he will consider the appointment of an additional Permanent Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry to take charge of civil aviation?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, but I do not think it would be advantageous to adopt it, at any rate at the present time.