AIR TRANSPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 37, 13 February 1943, Page 5

AIR TRANSPORT

POST-WAR POLICY

Immediate Plan Advocated For British Empire

N.Z. Press Association. —Copyright (Rec. 10 a.m.) LONDON. Feb. 12. Discussions on Britain's post-war air transport policy—or lack of policy—i s attracting much attention. The peers in the Lords this week expressed disappointment at the Government's attitude. Lord Londonderry, who said he would be again raising, the question a month hence, remarked that the question could not wait until after the war, but a plan should be decided and operated forthwith. "I should like to hear it stated that air transport is Empire Commonwealth policy," he said. "I hope an Empire Air Council is already in being." He wanted the Government to call 'on shipping companies to take the lead in the air as a new method for expanding their activities. He expected the Government to undertake full responsibility for air fields, meteorology, radio and ground staff. Lord Bennett declared, "If Britain is not to sink to the level of a second class power she must have air transport service now, not next year or the year after, but now." He added the should be able to spare energies and materials to ensure post-war air transport just as Russia and America were. Lord Sherborne, on behalf of the Government, stated decision lay with the War Cabinet.

The Daily Mail, commenting, states, "This matter is urgent. When the war is over the world will turn to air transport on a scale undreamed of in 1939. Britain must be ready to take full advantage of this certain development. The British Empire is an entity, the most pressing need of which : is swift air communications, and the one which will be the most to suffer if deprived of them