AUSTRALIAN AIRWAYS

Grey River Argus, 1 March 1945, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AIRWAYS

TO BE STATE CONTROLLED. SYDNEY, February 27. Reports in political circles have been current recently that the Government intends to modify the plans to nationalise the airways of Australia. The Sydney “Telegraph’s” Canberra correspondent says: Some members of the Labour Caucus state the abandonment of the nationalisation proposals would lead to a split in the Labour Movement. Caucus members in the lobbies made it clear that they would fight any move by the Government to form a joint stock company in partnership with operators of’ airlines. The Labour Party branches in three States are said to have reacted quickly to reports of a Government change of mind on the airways. Protests have been received by a number of members and Ministers from the electorates. The correspondent says that several Cabinet Ministers, who last week were reported to favour a modification of the plan of nationalisation are now believed to have returned to their belief in nationalisation.

(Rec. 11.0). CANBERRA, Feb. 27. The Commonwealth Cabinet has decided to adhere to its original decision to bring all Inter-State airways under Government control. The Cabinet sub-committee which originally recommended nationalisation, included the Treasurer, Mr Chifley, and the Minister of Air, Senator Drakeford.