§ 8. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any of the officials and experts of the air line operating companies in this country and the Dominions were consulted in connection with the recent exchange of views on civil aviation between the British and American Governments.
§ Sir A. SinclairNo, Sir. The recent informal and exploratory exchange of views on civil aviation between representatives of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and of the United States Government dealt solely with issues of policy between Governments.
§ Mr. GranvilleIn view of the fact that, according to the Press, those who took part in this conference with America had previous consultation or discussion with American experts, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it only right and proper that the air line experts of this country should have had an opportunity to state their views to the Government on it?
§ Sir A. SinclairNo, Sir. I am not responsible for any consultation which may have taken place in another country, but, by common consent, discussions on the policy plane are held between Governments and when the time comes to clothe these decisions with form and substance, then will be the time to consult the operators.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that decision conflict with our policy in embracing the Dominions in civil aviation policy after the war?
§ Sir A. SinclairNot in the slightest degree. Of course, as my hon. Friend knows, we are in close touch with Dominion Governments just as much as with the Government of the United States.
§ Sir Herbert Williams. Do the concessions announced by Lord Beaverbrook affect the air line companies which were not consulted?
§ Sir A. SinclairNo, Sir.
§ Earl WintertonCan my right hon. Friend give a clear assurance to the House that no binding arrangements will be entered into between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States, without the fullest consultation with Dominion Governments?
§ Sir A. SinclairWe have already, as my right hon. Friend knows, had such consultation with Dominion Governments, but that is rather wide of the Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. GranvilleCan the Minister give an assurance to the House that the air line operating companies in this country have not been committed to something which they know they canot fulfil in the future?
§ Sir A. SinclairOh, yes, Sir. They have not been committed to anything.
§ Sir Ralph GlynDoes the reply of the right hon. Gentleman mean that British Overseas Airways Corporation have not been consulted?
§ Sir A. SinclairI think it is quite clear from my reply that they have not.