HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3099-100
53. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the success of the Mayo composite aircraft in its trans-Atlantic flight on 21st July, what arrangements are being made for the purpose of instituting a regular service in 1939; and by what arrangements, and by whom it will be operated?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)

The arrangements to be made for the institution of a regular trans-Atlantic service are dependent on the outcome of the whole of the 1938 programme of trial flights which I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for West Islington (Mr. Montague) on 20th July last. The regular trans-Atlantic service when instituted will be operated by a joint operating company working in cooperation with Pan-American Airways. As regards the arrangements under which the service will be operated, I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement of policy contained in the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and Haddington (Sir H. Seely) on 30th July, 1936, the terms of which are also set out on pages 15 to 17 of the Civil Aviation Progress Report for 1936.

Mr. Day

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the double crossing will be made?

Mr. Simmonds

Does it mean that Pan-American Airways will not commence before we are ready?

Captain Balfour

That is in the terms of the agreement.