HC Deb 14 March 1929 vol 226 cc1278-9
Captain BRASS (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make any further statement about the proposed African air service?

Sir S. HOARE

I stated during the Debate on Air Estimates that I was actively negotiating with the various African Governments and Administrations concerned, more particularly His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa, for the institution of a weekly service between London and Cape Town, one of the two great trunk routes of the Empire.

The House will, I feel sure, be glad to learn that these negotiations have now been brought to a successful issue, the Union Government having intimated their willingness to make a substantial contribution towards the requisite subsidy over a five year period and otherwise to lend their full support and co-operation to the scheme. Of the other Administrations concerned, the Sudan, Kenya, Tanganyika and Uganda have already offered to contribute.

We are therefore in a position to proceed with this most important service which will, I am confident, prove of the utmost benefit to all the African territories which it will traverse, and, indeed, thanks to the acceleration of Imperial communications which will result, to the Empire generally.

There is necessarily much preliminary work still to be done to ensure the smooth and punctual working of the service once inaugurated, but now that the provision of the necessary finance is assured, thanks to the offers received from the Union and other Governments, I have every hope that before many months are past this great route, the African section of which alone is over 6,000 miles in length, will be in regular and successful operation. Cape Town will thus be brought within 12 days of London, and even larger proportionate savings will be effected on the time at present taken to reach other important centres throughout the length of Africa.

Captain BRASS

Will this be the longest commercial air route in the world?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir, certainly, it will be much the longest.

Captain FRASER

Is Southern Rhodesia included?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir. We are at present in communication with both Governments in Rhodesia and hope to have an answer shortly.