16. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any steps are being taken to establish British air routes on any European routes other than the little cross-Channel routes London-Paris, London-Brussels, etc.; whether definite steps are being taken to establish British air routes on the important trans-European routes where French, German, and Italian aircraft are already operating; and, if not, why not?
Captain GUESTThe answer to the first question is that it is proposed to establish a new subsidised air route with 1484 flying boats from Southampton to Cherbourg and probably later to the Channel Islands; to the second that, except as stated above, no additions to the existing subsidised aeroplane services are at present contemplated, though these routes may be extended under the present subsidy scheme within the limits of the money available; to the last, that the Ministry has up to the present received no applications from any British firm to establish a British air line on the trans-European routes.
Mr. MALONEIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware, now that Germany is allowed to build aircraft that German aircraft will be ahead of the English?
Captain GUESTI think it must be apparent to my hon. Friend that European countries have a considerable advantage over us in this connection.