asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether it is intended to take delivery of the Stratocruisers in view of the restrictions on foreign travel; when deliveries are now expected to take place; and whether he is satisfied that these planes can be profitably operated.

Yes, Sir. Deliveries of these aircraft are expected to begin in August, 1948. The answer to the last part of the Question is also, "Yes, Sir."

How can the Parliamentary Secretary make that reply in view of the fact that on the East-bound run the existing Constellations are coming back, in the main, practically empty; and will he not agree that the purchase of these aircraft is yet another great blunder which his Ministry have committed?

Most certainly not. The present operation of the Constellations on the North Atlantic service is an economic service, in so far as the relation between the load factor and the operating costs will make it economic.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that it would have been in the national interests not to have bought Constellations instead of Stratocruisers?

I am saying that at the moment we have no British aircraft which could have been economic in relation to the operating costs and load factor.

I agree.

These aircraft are economic and, therefore, this is the most profitable course to adopt.

In those circumstances, would it not be a good idea to try the Tudor on the North Atlantic run, for which it was built and which it is fit to fly?

It has been proved unsatisfactory for the North Atlantic, and, therefore, it would be unwise to consider introducing it into service.