§ 26. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has noted the inferiority in speed of British air lines compared with those of other countries; and what steps are being taken to accelerate our Empire services?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI am aware that the speed of some foreign civil aircraft is greater than that of aircraft employed on British Imperial air routes. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that speed is not the only consideration and that safety and economical working are also all-important factors. Speed is 1285 being kept very much in mind, but all these factors must together determine the types of aircraft employed on Imperial air services, which are intended ultimately to operate on a commercial basis without a subsidy, in which respect they already compare very favourably with those of other countries.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSIs it not a fact that, if we were to adopt night flying more extensively, we could maintain our present excellent record for safety, and at the same time considerably accelerate our services?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIf we had night flying there would, of course, be an acceleration, but that has been taken into consideration.
§ 27. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when further extensions will be made in the air routes to the East and Africa to avoid the use of Swiss and Italian railways as links in Imperial air communications?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThis question has been under active consideration both by the Air Ministry and by Imperial Airways for some time past, and negotiations are proceeding.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSCan the hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when they will come to some fruitful conclusion?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWe have to guide to a successful conclusion negotiations with several foreign countries. We hope the result will not be very long delayed.