§ 8. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps are being taken to stimulate the development of the services mentioned in the agreement made with the United States in 1946: London-New York-San Francisco-Honolulu-Manila-Singapore; London-New York-New Orleans-Mexico City; and London-New York-Cuba-Jamaica-Panama-Colombia-Ecuador-Lima-Santiago, with a view to increasing the earning power of American dollars by our overseas airlines.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)As more capacity becomes available, British Overseas Airways Corporation plan to extend and intensify their services in the dollar area.
§ Mr. CooperCan my hon. Friend explain the reason for the delay of nearly three years in getting these services; will he say if his noble Friend is satisfied that a really active dollar-earning policy is being pursued by the Corporation, and, if not, is he considering giving any directions under his statutory powers?
§ Mr. LindgrenWhether one provides a service or not depends upon the availability of suitable aircraft. These aircraft have not been available, and, now that they are coming into use, the services will be provided.
§ 9. Mr. Cooperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what steps are being taken to stimulate the development of airline services in the Caribbean and to commence operations in addition to the one service between Nassau and Miami, in order to earn United States dollars and to implement the American agreement entered into in 1946.
§ Mr. LindgrenWithin the limits of the capacity at present available, frequencies on the existing routes are being increased. With the introduction of the newer aircraft types with which the Corporation is being re-equipped, there will be progressive extension of services to other routes in the Caribbean area.
§ Mr. BeswickWould my hon. Friend say what types of aircraft are being introduced in that area?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe Stratocruisers will release the Constellations for other services, and the Hermes, when it arrives, is planned to operate in that area.