§ 9. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the opinion of the former members of the Board of British Airways Corporation, now made public, that they consider undue hindrance to the efficient discharge of their responsibilities and their duty of planning for a rapid expansion of air transport, during and after the war, was due to the attitude of the Government, he has any statement to make?
§ Captain BalfourI cannot accept the implication of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question. In order that our limited air transport resources might be used to best advantage in the prosecution of the war, the Corporation were required in April, 1940, to place their undertaking at the disposal of the Secretary of State for Air in accordance with Section 32 of the British Overseas Airways Act. In these circumstances while management remains a function of the Corporation, the formulation of war-time policy is, and must be, the responsibility of His Majesty's Government. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which my right hon. Friend made to the House on behalf of the Government, in the course of the Debate on Civil Aviation on 11th March.