§ 22. Mr. HAMILTON KERRasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the offer made by the Royal Dutch Indian Airways to provide an air-mail service to Australia pending the establishment of a British-Australian service a year hence; how soon a. reliable British-Australian air service can be put into operation; and whether he will ensure that no arrangements are made with any Dutch air line which will in any way delay or operate to the disadvantage of the future British service?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, Sir. As regards the proposed United Kingdom-Australia service, it is impossible to give a definite forecast, but it should be in effective operation within a few months of a final decision being taken. The interim offer by the Dutch is under consideration by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in consultation with His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia, and my hon. Friend can rest assured that the fullest weight will be given to the considerations he mentions.
§ Mr. PERKINSDo I understand, from my right hon. Friend's answer, that Imperial Airways will be running a service to Australia within a few months?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI hope that in a very short time such a service will be started. I cannot give the full details.