HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 c1212
11. Mr. Tree

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a large number of A.T.A. medium transport aeroplanes, available for continental traffic, not being made full use of at the present time; and if he will make these available for passenger traffic.

The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)

A certain number of transport aircraft within the A.T.A. organisation are capable of being used for continental traffic. Such traffic is controlled, however, by the appropriate military authority and the A.T.A. operates in this respect only as and when called upon by that authority to meet a requirement in respect of military cargoes or official passengers. The A.T.A. is not organised or equipped for the carriage of ordinary traffic.

Mr. Tree

In view of the acute shortage of transport planes, as described by the Home Secretary in an Adjournment Debate last week, would it not be possible to make use of more of these planes until more transport planes are available?

Sir S. Cripps

That is a question which would have to be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air, who is responsible for Transport Command.

Mr. Tree

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjourment at the first opportunity.