HC Deb 04 July 1956 vol 555 cc1325-6
41. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further discussions have taken place with a view to establishing a direct London—Moscow airline service through British European Airways and the Soviet airline Aeroflot.

Mr. Watkinson

There have been no discussions since last November but, at the beginning of last month, an invitation was issued to the Soviet authorities to resume discussions on the establishment of a through air service between London and Moscow.

Mr. Edelman

Despite the Minister's statement, is it not the case that last December Lord Douglas of Kirtleside, Chairman of B.E.A., and the Chairman of Aeroflot made a provisional agreement by which there should be a link-up in Berlin, and by which also B.E.A. should have monopoly rights in the Moscow—London air traffic? Is it not further the case that since then, as a result of intervention by the Foreign Office, the agreement has been abandoned and four Continental air lines have now taken over the traffic between London and Moscow?

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Gentleman asked me about a direct service from London to Moscow, and I answered him by saying that I hope the Soviet authorities will accept our invitation, and, if so, discussions can proceed forthwith.

Mr. Beswick

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the supplementary question? Will he say whether or not there has been any Foreign Office interference with the provisional agreement which was made between B.E.A. and Moscow in regard to a service between London and Moscow?

Mr. Watkinson

If the hon. Gentleman wants me to answer that, perhaps he will be kind enough to put a Question on the Order Paper.