HC Deb 25 February 1931 vol 248 cc2127-8
71. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

asked the Postmaster-General whether the amount of mail at present carried to and from India suffices to make the Indian air-mail service a paying proposition; and whether he will take all possible steps to encourage business houses to avail themselves of the facilities of this service?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Viant)

The answer to the first part of the question is that the air fees to the public for the Indian Air Service are fixed at the lowest figure which will ensure that the transport and other charges incidental to the service are covered. This result has hitherto been achieved; but the general finance of the Indian Air Service is not of course a matter for which my Department is responsible. The answer to the second part of the question is that all possible steps have been taken to bring this service and the advantages it offers to the notice of business houses and all persons likely to be interested.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

As comparatively very little use is made of this service by business houses, cannot the Government see their way to reduce the fees considerably in order to get people to use it?

Mr. VIANT

If the hon. Member will read the reply I have given, he will see that that question is dealt with.