Post-War Civil Aviation

47.

Mr. Simmonds
asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will give an assurance that no decision has been taken by the Government which would have the effect of placing all British overseas air transport services after the war in the hands of one organisation?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)
Yes, Sir.

Mr. Simmonds
Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it will be a major disaster if there is no real enterprise in our air transport services after the war, and could he say exactly what are the implications of the decision he has just announced?

Sir W. Jowitt
As I explained the other day, we have been careful not to attempt to fix the national set-up until we know what arrangements, if any, can be made internationally with regard to civil aviation.

Mr. Simmonds
May we assume that there is absolutely no decision of any kind so far?

Sir W. Jowitt
That is the effect of my answer.