HC Deb 07 November 1961 vol 648 cc797-8
Q4. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister if he will instruct the Ministers of Transport and of Aviation to consider in which sphere of overseas transport a subsidy for public funds could be most advantageously applied in view of the transition now taking place from surface to air transport, and to report to him accordingly.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I expect overseas transport services generally to operate without subsidies.

Mr. Rankin

Does the Prime Minister deny that a transition is taking place from surface to air transport? Because of this, is he aware that those who are employed in shipbuilding and aviation are seriously concerned about their future? In view of that, unless the Prime Minister has a better idea —which, I assume, he may divulge to the House —would he not think it wise to ask the Ministers of Transport and Aviation to look into this business with a view to helping whichever industry most needs help?

The Prime Minister

Of course, these questions are always being considered by the two Ministers concerned—

Mr. Rankin

And co-ordinated?

The Prime Minister

—and co-ordinated in the Cabinet generally, but I hope that these transport services, whether by air or sea, will be able, broadly speaking, to operate without subsidy.

Mr. Rankin

Surely the Prime Minister is aware that we must depend less on hope and more on thinking about the future and trying to get both of these Ministers to co-ordinate the services.

The Prime Minister

That is being done continuously, but I still repeat that I believe it will be possible, broadly speaking, to operate these services without a system of Government subsidy. It is much to our interest that this should not be regarded as the general structure of these services throughout the world.

Mr. Strachey

Would not the Prime Minister agree that while it may not be a question of subsidy, there may be a real case for the investment of public money in the development of air transport in, for example, a supersonic airliner and that this may be of great importance for the whole future of the country in the ever-expanding aviation industry?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Of course, all these are very much the questions under the general control of the Minister of Aviation.