I move:—
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £260,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1948, for Aviation and Meteorological Services.
Increased activity in administration accounts mainly for the increases under most of the sub-heads. The largest additional amount required is that in respect of the subsidy for air services under sub-head (C) where an extra £708,000 is required, bringing the total to £868,000. Losses on the services operated by Aer Lingus account for £332,000 of the total and the balance is mainly in respect of training and development expenses of Aerlinte which is the company formed to operate transatlantic air services. These expenses so far amount to £504,000. We are now asking for a sum of £260,000.