HC Deb 19 March 1947 vol 435 cc391-2
22. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what quantity of air mail was carried by British and U.S. aircraft, respectively, from this country to North America during 1946.

Mr. Burke

The weights of British mails carried from this country to North America during 1946 by British and U.S. aircraft were 342,738 lbs. and 26,884 lbs. respectively. In addition 102,011 lbs. of British mails were carried by Canadian aircraft. The comparable figures of foreign transit mails re-forwarded from this country were: British aircraft 12,702 lbs., U.S. aircraft 189,071 lbs., Canadian aircraft 11,620 lbs.

Air-Commodore Harvey

While appreciating the shortage of British aircraft, may I ask the Minister what steps he is taking to see that this country gets its share of this valuable freight on the Atlantic service?

Mr. Burke

We use British aircraft right up to total capacity at present and only use other aircraft when necessary.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the Minister give an assurance that, when we get the aircraft, we shall be able to carry our fair share of the load?

Mr. Burke

Yes, Sir. We always take British aircraft first, up to their available capacity.