§ 17. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for Air where and when the proposed International Conference on Civil Aviation is to be held; and whether delegates from this country will attend.
§ Sir A. SinclairIn the recent discussions between my Noble Friend the. Lord Privy Seal and Mr. Berle, of the U.S. Administration, the hope was expressed that it would be possible to arrange for a full International Conference later in the year. No definite arrangements have yet been made. The answer to the second part of the Question, is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill the right hon. Gentleman see that, before a delegation goes to a conference from this country, we have a policy on civil aviation, and will he see that the House of Commons is given an opportunity of discussing the results of the visit of Mr. Adolph Berle and also the discussion at the British Empire Conference?
§ Sir A. SinclairArrangements for discussions, as my hon. Friend knows, are not in my hands, but, certainly, before a delegation goes abroad, they will have to have authority.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Minister ensure that, when the delegation does proceed abroad, it will operate on the principle that we are not going to give too much away?
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask whether the Minister can assure this House that Lord Beaverbrook has not already sold the pass?
§ Mr. GranvilleThe right hon. Gentleman has said that he hopes the House of Commons will have an opportunity of discussing this matter. Will he, as the Minister responsible, make representations through the ordinary channels?
§ Sir A. SinclairI think it is usual for hon. Members who wish for discussions 1327 to make their own representations through the ordinary channels and not to ask Ministers to do so. Regarding the question put to me by my other hon. Friend, I can give the assurance that Lord Beaverbrook has defended the interests of this country in the conferences he has held, and that it will be the intention of His Majesty's Government to do so in future.