§ 56. Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider means of initiating and developing the potential air route between North and South America via the West Indies, connecting up the numerous British island and continental possessions; and will he take early action in this matter in order to forestall foreign enterprise?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The opportunities for civil air transport in the neighbourhood of the West Indies were fully considered last year by the West Indian Air Transport Committee, and I would refer the hon. Member to their Report, which has been presented to Parliament (Cmd. 2968).
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes not the hon. Baronet realise that if we do not undertake this route in the very near future it will be carried out by the United States of America?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, but such services require a heavy subsidy, and as it will serve entirely local interests, the subsidy will have to come from local sources.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs not the linking up of a very important part of the British Empire an Imperial interest?
§ Mr. HURDSeeing the imperative necessity of closer association between island and island, both in regard to sea and air travel, will not the Government give sympathetic consideration to any project which comes forward to attain that end?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWe will always do that.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the hon. Baronet aware that in Germany there has been built, for the London and South American service, a flying boat far larger and possessing a far higher useful load than anything which we possess, and has he taken any steps to assist British manufacturers to catch up on those lines?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI do not think that arises out of this particular question.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKShould not this scheme be part of the whole air scheme of this country?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt does not affect these islands.