asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what system is in operation to decide who is entitled to priority permits to travel by air where services now exist.

The allocation of space in British air transport services is the responsibility of the Air Priorities Board which is under the joint chairmanship of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and myself. Its members include representatives of the Board of Trade, the Foreign Office and the other interested Departments.

Will the Under-Secretary agree to look into the position to see that this air space is allocated in proper priority?

I assure the hon. Member that we do look into that at every meeting of the Board, and spend many hours allocating it. There is very heavy pressure on it, and it is extremely difficult to allocate priority to the best advantage.

Would the hon. Gentleman make clear, what is not clear in his answer, to which Member of the Government Questions on this matter should be addressed, and whether they should be addressed to him or the Parliamentary Secretary for Civil Aviation?

I should think to either.

Could the hon. Gentleman be more definite?

Certainly then: to either.

Surely that cannot be the position. Are we not entitled to know what Minister to address on matters of official policy?

To me.

Would the hon. Gentleman make it clear that the Board of Trade covers the Department of Overseas Trade as well?

Yes, Sir, certainly.