HC Deb 31 January 1945 vol 407 cc1442-3
31. Mr. Kendall

asked the Secretary of State for Air who is responsible for the allocation of priorities for air travel to and from the U.S.A. by the B.O.A.C. or on other machines under his control; and whether passages are allotted to British business men proceeding to and from the U.S.A. for the purpose of arranging for post-war export trade upon the recommendation of the Department of Overseas Trade.

Sir A. Sinclair

An Air Transport Priorities Board, on which the Service and Civil Departments are represented, and of which my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is Chairman, is generally responsible for supervising the allocation of priorities for passages to and from this country in British aircraft. All capacity is normally needed for the war, but so far as space may occasionally be available, applications of the character mentioned by the hon. Member may now be considered provided the journeys are duly certified by a Government Department as being in the public interest.

Mr. Kendall

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that business men here shall have the same facilities in their travel as are afforded to United States business men?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir, I can only give an assurance that the requirements of the war will have first priority in allotting passages. We will then give such passages as we can to facilitate travel by business men.

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