HC Deb 15 November 1926 vol 199 cc1539-40
55. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Air the annual amounts of subsidy for civil flying granted by Great Britain, France and Germany respectively; and whether every effort is being made by His Majesty's Government to give at least similar support to the development of our civil air service as is the case in the other two countries referred to?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)

As regards the first part of the question, the total sum allocated to the development of civil aviation in Air Votes for the current year is £462,000. In addition, £362,000 is being expended on airship development, which is, to a large extent, for civil aviation purposes. It is difficult to give exactly comparable figures in respect of France and Germany, but the following are approximate:

  • France.—78,175,000 francs.
  • Germany.—24,661,500 Reichmarks.
Actual subsidy payments to civil air transport companies are as follow:
  • Great Britain.—£l67,000.
  • France.—59,500,000 francs.
  • Germany.—8,371,500 Reichmarks.
As regards the second part of the question, the policy of His Majesty's Government is to spare no effort to place the operation of civil air transport on a commercial footing as early as possible.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much the francs and the marks exceed the £?

Sir S. HOARE

It depends on the rate of exchange. I suggest the hon. Member can do the sum himself as well as I can.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is it not a fact that the amount granted by the German Government is £600,000, as against £400,000 in this country?

Sir S. HOARE

I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman has done the sum right. If he has done the sum right, no doubt the figure is so.

Captain MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that the large subsidy paid by the German Government for civil aviation enables Germany to control and operate 75 per cent, of the civil air lines in Europe?

Sir S. HOARE

I do not think that arises out of the question. I should like to have notice of the question. I do not know whether the percentage given is accurate or not.

Commander BELLAIRS

Would not the policy of the development of civil aviation be much more improved if the administration were transferred to the Board of Trade?

Sir S. HOARE

That, obviously, is a question which I am not competent to answer.