asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is proposed to open a British passenger service to Berlin?

Captain Balfour:

The passenger service to Berlin is one of a number of British European services included in the programme which is now under discussion with the operating companies concerned. I regret that I cannot at the moment give my hon. Friend a definite date for the commencement of this service.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend realise that his Department recently brought over some hundreds of machines from America, and would it not be possible to utilise some more of those machines?

Captain Balfour:

The aircraft purchased from America by my Department are fitted up for Service use, and would not be suitable for civil use without considerable modification.