HC Deb 05 June 1917 vol 94 cc32-3W
Mr. P. WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is no Irishman representing Ireland on the Committee appointed to inquire into aerial civil communications after the War; whether he is aware of the possibilities presented for that purpose by Ireland's position in relation to the Atlantic routes; whether the French Government, prior to the War, maintained a regular service from Paris by aeroplane which carried the mails to Pauillac, on the west shore of the estuary of the Gironde, twenty-seven miles from Bordeaux, whence they were transferred to the outgoing trans-Atlantic liners; whether the aeroplanes were similarly used to convey the incoming mails landed at Pauillac to Paris; whether by this aeroplane service there was considerable gain of time for posting and delivery of letters; and whether, in order that the advantages offered by Ireland for an even greater acceleration by air of the mail services may be availed of, he will appoint an Irish representative or more than one on the Committee?

Major BAIRD

It is not considered that the addition to this Committee of national representatives as such of the several parts of the United Kingdom is required for the effective discharge of its duties under the terms of reference. I can assure my hon. Friend that the obvious possibilities presented by Ireland in relation to the Atlantic routes will be fully considered by the Committee.