asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what meetings he has had during 1947 with the committee of foreign airlines' representatives in the United Kingdom.

None, Sir.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why he and the Minister did not take the opportunity of such a meeting which was afforded by the luncheon at the Savoy Hotel recently?

Because I am a trade unionist, and I hope I shall always remember that fact.

Is not the hon. Member one of His Majesty's Ministers?

Yes, Sir, and there is no conflict between the two.

In order to give greater elucidation to the House, will the Parliamentary Secretary state which he places first—his duty as one of His Majesty's Ministers, or his duty as a lesser trade unionist?

That conflict of interest never arises.

It did.

In view of the fact that the T.U.C. did not recognise this strike, how comes it that the Minister refused to attend?

I am grateful to the hon. Member for that supplementary question, which enables me to say that the Trade Union Congress was not involved in my decision in any shape or form; and they took no part by giving advice, instructions, or any contact in any way.