§ 27. Mr. PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total amount spent by this country on prospecting the Transatlantic air route via Iceland; when this new route will be opened; and whether it will be operated by Imperial Airways?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the first part of the question, I assume my hon. Friend refers to the British Arctic Air Route Expedition. No direct financial assistance was afforded by His Majesty's Government although the services of certain officers were lent, and the amount of the expenditure incurred is not known. As regards the remainder of the question, the report of the expedition has not yet been received by the Air Ministry, and I am therefore not in a position to state when such a route could be opened, or by whom it would best be operated.
§ Mr. PERKINSHas the right hon. Gentleman seen reports in the Press that a concession is to be granted by the Icelandic Government to an American concern?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo official report has yet been received by the Air Ministry.