§ 3.1 p.m.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE MARQUESS OF ZETLAND)My Lords, I might perhaps say one word of explanation of the meaning of this Order. As your Lordships will be aware, in normal circumstances aeroplanes flying for public transport work on the internal air lines of this country are obliged to hold a licence granted by the licensing authority, and it may be a condition of such licence that a certain standard of transport should be maintained. When the war broke out the whole of the internal civil air transport of the country was brought to an end and can only be carried on now with a special permit and under strict control. It would, therefore, be obviously absurd to retain the peace-time machinery in existence, and the effect of this Order will be to bring to an end for the time being the system in force in peace including the Licensing Board. I beg to move the Motion which stands in my name.
§ Moved, That the Report of the Special Orders Committee made yesterday be considered, and that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty praying that the Order may be made in the terms of the Draft Order.—(The Marquess of Zetland.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to: the said Address to be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.