HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 c545
7. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, on his recent visit to the Channel Islands, he travelled by a chartered plane, and not by the nationalised air service.

Mr. Ede

It would not have been possible, by making use of the scheduled services to carry out the programme of visits in the time available.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it surprising that British Airways are run at a loss when Cabinet Ministers do not avail themselves of their services?

Mr. Ede

It was rather unfortunate that, for this short journey, it was not possible for me to fit in my duties in this country with my duties in the Channel Islands so as to use that service; otherwise, I should have been very glad to do so.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the cost of this charter?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir; £84, and that included the cost of conveying myself and three other persons connected with my journey.