asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that there now operate in or to the South American continent air lines belonging to France, Holland, Germany, and the United States of America; and whether, in the interests of Anglo-South American trade, he will take steps to secure the formation of a British air line to South America?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Air Ministry is anxious to encourage, so far as practicable, any scheme for the operation of British air lines to South America which offers reasonable prospect of success. The far-reaching expansion of our Empire air services now under consideration must, however, take priority, and it is unlikely that, in present circumstances, the necessary finance could be found to assist in the organisation of a fifth competing national air line to South America, however desirable this project intrinsically.

In view of the desire of the Government to encourage Anglo-American trade and the very prejudicial effect the absence of any British air line to that continent is having, does not my right hon. Friend think that the Government ought to take some initiative in this matter and not wait for somebody else to do something?