§ 45. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Prime Minister under what authority His Majesty's Government, or any statutory corporation established on its behalf, are proposing compulsorily to acquire the assets and undertakings of any company registered and domiciled in the Channel Islands.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I am not aware of any such proposal.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreIs the Prime Minister aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation; 859 on 8th July, made a statement that he would take over the Channel Island Airways by Order in Council? Is he further aware that no Order in Council, since the incorporation of the Channel Islands under the British Crown, has ever been made compulsorily acceptable by the Government of the Channel Islands?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that the position is as stated by the hon. and gallant Member, but perhaps he will put down a question to the Minister of Civil Aviation.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he is not aware that a specific statement was made in this House that the Civil Aviation Bill would be applied by Order in Council to the Channel Islands, and whether he will inquire whether the consent of the State of Jersey was obtained before that statement was made?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that the statement was made. A statement was made, perhaps, in regard to the regulations for the landing of planes in this country from the Channel Islands, which seems to be an entirely different matter.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreDoes that mean that that statement was made without the authority of the right hon. Gentleman and, secondly, will the Prime Minister have a look at the passage in HANSARD for 8th July in which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Axiation stated definitely that he will take over this air line by Order in Council?
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers me to a statement, I shall be glad to give him a fuller answer, but I am afraid that I have not the time to read every word in HANSARD.