56. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Air what services are now being flown by British Imperial Airways; whether the company have discontinued any and, if so, what services; whether they have in contemplation the cessation of other services, and what is the number of efficient machines now operated by the company; and whether any and, if so, what payments are made to them by the Government?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)As regards the first part of the question, services are in operation between London and the following cities, namely; Paris, Zurich (via Paris and Bask); Cologne (direct); Cologne (via Brussels); Ostend and Amsterdam. As regards the second part, the Southampton-Guernsey and Amsterdam-Berlin services have been discontinued, but the former service will shortly be resumed. As regards the third part, so far as I am aware the company do not propose to discontinue any other services. As regards the fourth part, there are 12 efficient machines in operation excluding experimental machines under test for the Air 1544 Ministry. As regards the last part, payments are made to the company in accordance with the agreement scheduled to that concluded in December, 1923, with the British, Foreign and Colonial Corporation, Limited, and then published as a White Paper.
Sir F. HALLIs it a fact that the Imperial Airways have only 12 efficient machines to carry out the whole of the work of civil aviation in this country?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, that is exactly the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend, and my answer mentioned 12 machines. There are other machines under construction.
§ Sir S. HOAREYes.