asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why permission has been granted to Skyways, Limited, to purchase D.C.4 U.S. aircraft; and how many machines are involved.

Four machines, belonging to K.L.M., to enable Skyways to operate on Far Eastern routes.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer say why it is that a private company is able to carry out this transaction when the Corporations are not able to do so, in spite of the fact that dollars have to be consumed in the long run? Is it due to the fact that there is a close identity between this company and Middle East oil interests?

No, Sir. It is, the Far East—far beyond the oil area—and it is hoped that this company will, in fact, make sufficient profit on their operations on this Far Eastern route more than to repay the cost which is incurred, not in dollars, but in Dutch guilders.