§ 50. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Prime Minister whether the date for the coming International Conference on Civil Aviation has now been arranged; whether it will take place in this country or the U.S.A.; and when an opportunity will be given to the House to debate the results of the discussions on this subject at the recent Empire Conference.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no statement to make on this subject to-day.
§ Mr. GranvilleCan the Prime Minister give us the assurance that plans for British post-war civil aviation will not be held up pending the decisions to be taken at this Conference? Will he suggest that, if the date and venue have not been fixed, the Conference should be held in this country?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot govern the last matter entirely. Other people will have to come to the Conference, and they will have views of their own. It does not really rest with His Majesty's Government. The whole of this question is being continually studied. I remember that we had a long discussion only a little while ago—two hours or more—upon it in the Cabinet, which is proof that the matter was gone into in very considerable detail. Capable men are giving it much thought, but of course it takes, far and away, a back place compared with the conduct of the war.
§ Mr. BowlesDoes the Prune Minister remember that about six months ago I asked whether he would disclose to the House and the country the policy His Majesty's Government would follow in this Conference? He said he would give the matter consideration. Will he tell the House what the policy of His Majesty's Government is, in his view, on civil aviation?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly should not attempt to do it in answer to a Question.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister aware that there is considerable disquiet in industrial circles in this country in particular, and elsewhere, about the number of international conferences being held, where arrangements are being made, as a result of which we may be faced with a fait accompli preventing us from proceeding with our own internal policy?
§ The Prime MinisterNothing of this kind will be settled without this House having the right and the opportunity—and it certainly has the power—to assert its views upon the Government.
§ Sir Percy HarrisIs it not vital that, in all these matters, we should have the co-operation and good will of the United 26 States, and are not these constant digs most undesirable?
§ Mr. BowlesAs the Prime Minister seems disinclined to give the information that I asked for, in answer to a Question, when will he give the information?
§ The Prime MinisterAt the proper time the fullest information will be given by the appropriate Minister.
§ Mr. BowlesWhat is the proper time, and who is the appropriate Minister?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs my right hon. Friend aware that no one is digging at the United States, but that we are anxious to see that this country gets a fair chance after the war?
§ The Prime MinisterIt must not be supposed that the hon. Gentleman and we on this side do not feel the same way about that.