§ 14. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies 1889 whether he is aware that the aerodromes provided along the African route used by Imperial Airways are not sufficiently good; that two aeroplanes have been damaged owing to the unsatisfactory surface of aerodromes in Tanganyika and Southern Rhodesia and that the aerodromes are out of action during wet weather; and whether he will consult with the Governments concerned with a view to improving their aerodromes without delay?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that one machine at Mbeya on the 6th January, and another at Salisbury on the 29th January, were damaged in attempting to take off. My information is that, while the aerodromes along the route are adequate for ordinary weather conditions, further work is required at certain aerodromes in Tanganyika to prevent possible interruption of the service in the rainy season. The question of the execution of the necessary work against the next rainy season is already being actively taken up in consultation with the Air Ministry. The question of aerodromes in Southern Rhodesia is a matter for the Government of that Colony. This matter is also under consideration.
Captain CAZALETIs it not a fact that £50,000 has been given by the Beit Trust for development in that area?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt is true that a most generous contribution has been made by the Beit Trust, but I think, speaking from memory, that it covers aerodromes in Rhodesia and not the aerodromes in Tanganyika.
§ 17. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the wireless and telegraphic services which Colonial Governments in Africa provide for the use of the air routes which cross their territories are not of a sufficiently high standard to ensure reliable services; and whether he will suggest to the Governments concerned the advisability of improving such services or assist them to do so?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am informed that the majority of the wireless stations erected by the Colonial Governments in connection with the air route to South Africa are of modern type combining long and short wave apparatus, 1890 and are of a sufficiently high standard to ensure reliable services. It may be stated, however, that as the result of an inspection flight by a technical officer some of the Governments concerned are being consulted as to the desirability of effecting certain improvements.