§ 63. Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any investigation has been made into the practicability of establishing an air service between London and South Africa: have any opinions been formed as to the best route; are there any data regarding landing grounds; and has the South African Government been asked whether it would co-operate in assisting such an enterprise in its initial stages?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)A number of flights between London and South Africa and also between intermediate points such as Khartum and Kisumu have been made and valuable information has been obtained as a result. They have, for example, served to furnish data regarding landing grounds and the best route to he followed, but the actual details of the route selected will naturally depend upon whether landplanes or seaplanes are to be used over certain stages of the journey. These and other questions can only be finally determined when concrete proposals for an air service to 2333 the Cape have have been formulated. I am expecting such proposals in the very early future and, if they appear prima facie practicable, immediate steps will be taken to invite the co-operation of His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa, who are aware of our general intention and desire to develop Imperial air communications of this nature.