§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India when it is proposed to extend the present Indian air mail service beyond Delhi: when it is proposed to commence a regular air service to Bombay; and if he is aware of the value and convenience an air line for passengers and mails to and from Bombay and other important Indian cities would prove to be?
§ Mr. BENNThe Government of India hope to extend the London-Delhi air service to Calcutta next autumn and to Rangoon shortly afterwards. It may, however, be necessary temporarily to discontinue the service between Calcutta and Rangoon during the monsoon of 1931. As regards the establishment of a service to Bombay I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given on the 3rd February.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole position of civil aviation in India is very backward, and will he try to stir up the Government in this matter?
§ Mr. BENNWithout accepting the premises of the hon. and gallant Member, I am very anxious to see civil aviation extended in India.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with one line between Karachi and Delhi in that huge country?
Earl WINTERTONIn view of the great importance of this question, would the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper or placing a statement in the Library about our air communications in India when the Government proposals are in their final state, and have been approved by the right hon. Gentleman, so that we may know the terms and conditions of these services and other matters of that kind?
§ Mr. BENNI have no reason to suppose that the Government of India lacks in the least a desire to get on with this job. I shall be very glad to place before Parliament all the information available as soon as we receive it.