§ 24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why flying boats were not used on the experimental air-mail service to Australia for that part of the route that was over the sea between Singapore and Northern Australia; and whether it is intended to use flying boats in the future?
§ Mr. MONTAGUELandplanes are being used because the route through the Dutch East Indies is organised for landplanes only. I may say that the Dutch Company also operate over that route with landplanes. As regards the future, the establishment of a regular service is itself still in the discussion stage, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, but the use of flying boats would necessitate reorganising the route, at additional expense, instead of taking advantage of the organisation which already exists.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that flying boats are used for the Mediterranean portion of the route? Why are they not being used for this long sea section?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEMy answer explains that it is because the organisation is not there. When it comes to a question of a regular service, the matter will be reconsidered.