HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 c729
21 and 24. Sir Oliver Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether the Government are actively interested to receive proposals from potential operators of post-war air transport services;

(2) what are the principal conditions which must be fulfilled by any company offering to operate post-war air transport services.

Sir A. Sinclair

My right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal in his speech on 11th May in another place outlined the nature and scope of proposals which the Government would be willing to study. I have nothing to add to that statement.

Sir O. Simmonds

Would my right hon. Friend assure the House that if these proposals are put before him they will be reviewed freely and openly, unfettered by the conditions of the British Overseas Airways Corporation?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the careful statement made by the Lord Privy Seal in another place, when he will see that it would not be in accordance with that statement.

Sir O. Simmonds

Is the Minister not aware that that statement was very ambiguous? Would he explain it at some convenient time?