§ Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has at any time received representations from Imperial Airways, Limited, or the Government nominees upon its board of 700W directors, to the effect that the railway companies were refusing reasonable co-operation with them in the development of their through freight and passenger services; and whether, in view of the intention of the railway companies to inaugurate air services, he intends by any official or unofficial intervention to attempt to improve the relations between these two branches of transport?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, I have been aware that negotiations have been (and, I understand, still are) taking place between Imperial Airways and the railway companies, but I have not as yet received any official representations of the kind referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. As regards the second part, the question is primarily one for arrangement between Imperial Airways and the railways, but I should be happy to render any assistance in my power, if and when it appears that such action is likely to serve a useful purpose.