HC Deb 25 February 1931 vol 248 cc2130-1
76. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the estimated cost of subsidising a weekly air mail service between Karachi and Calcutta via Delhi and vice versa?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)

The Government of India estimated in 1929 that the cost of subsidising a weekly air mail service between Karachi and Calcutta via Delhi in both directions, if operated by a commercial company, would amount in the first year to about £100,000, and in subsequent years to about £95,000.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is there any chance of this money being provided, so that this service will continue to function?

Mr. BENN

I do not know that the question of a subsidised commercial service is under consideration.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not the idea then that it is to be subsidised by the Government of India?

Mr. BENN

No, the idea is that the Government of India should run the services.