HC Deb 06 June 1951 vol 488 c129W
104. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements exist to enable him to use as transport aircraft, aircraft belonging to the nationalised air corporations.

Mr. A. Henderson

Arrangements exist for the Air Ministry at any time to charter spare aircraft belonging to the air corporations. Arrangements also exist between my Department, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the corporations to ensure that the resources of the corporations are available in the event of war or great national emergency.

105. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will open negotiations to lease or borrow transport aircraft from Commonwealth or North Atlantic Treaty countries until our deficiency is made good and we have sufficient aircraft to carry our own airborne troops.

Mr. A. Henderson

No. Such negotiations would be unnecessary in present circumstances.