HC Deb 03 March 1927 vol 203 cc569-70
80. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the air-mail service to the Cape of Good Hope from Egypt will be commenced; and what preparations are being made to enable this service to be started?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

As regards the first part of the question, it is not possible at present to state when a civil aeroplane service from Egypt to the Cape will be inaugurated. As regards the last part, the Royal Air Force are now co-operating in flights between Cairo and Khartum in connection with the experimental fortnightly service between Khartum and Kisumu now in progress, and, as announced at the recent Imperial Conference, His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have decided to carry out one or more flights to complete the connection at the southern end.

81. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is proposed to extend the air mail route from Egypt to India to Burma and Australia; and what preparations are being made with this object?

Sir P. SASSOON

As regards the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, it is too early for me to be able to give a definite, or even an approximate, date. I may say, however, that I understand that the Government of India are taking preparatory steps with a view to giving effect to the recommendation of the Indian Air Board in regard to the systematic survey of the main trunk routes in India; and that the possibility of instituting an air service between Calcutta and Rangoon is also engaging their attention. His Majesty's Government in Australia have decided in accordance with the announcement made during the Imperial Conference, to arrange for flights to be carried out by the Royal Australian Air Force from Australia to Singapore to link up with flights to be undertaken by the Royal Air Force from Singapore towards Australia. It is not yet possible, however, to give a definite date when these flights, which will enable a thorough investigation of the route to be made, will commence.