§ 3. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to meet the challenge of the American air lines to capture the air traffic between North America, Europe and the Far East.
Mr. I. ThomasMy Noble Friend hopes to be in a position to make a statement about the organisation of British overseas air services at an early date. Every possible endeavour is being made, including acceleration of British aircraft production, to overcome handicaps which are the direct result of our war efforts.
§ Sir T. MooreCan the hon. Gentleman explain why the Government have lost all power of initiative and decision in regard to this matter? Has an atomic bomb struck them?
Mr. ThomasNo, Sir. The Government are acting with great decision in this matter, and we hope to introduce a policy in a very much shorter time than it took our predecessors to do so.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that confidence is not shared by our friends in Eire, who see, through American activity, that country rapidly becoming an American Dominion?
Mr. ThomasNo, Sir. I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. We have recently had very friendly conversations with Mr. Lemass, and there is no foundation for that assumption.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWhen will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to give the House an account of the conversations?