§ Major Procterasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the present position with regard to permitting subsidised British air-lines to purchase foreign aircraft; which lines are permitted this privilege and which are not; and whether it is proposed that any time limit should be imposed so that this permission will not stand in the way of orders being given for British aircraft at such future date as supply may be possible?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead:British Airways have permission to employ foreign aircraft on account of the present shortage of British aircraft suitable to the requirements of their services. This permission has not so far been extended to any other subsidised company. No definite time limit is fixed for its duration, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that there is no intention of its being allowed to stand in the way of the purchase of British aircraft as and when suitable types become available.