§ 23. Mr. LOUIS SMITH(for Mr. LYONS) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether arrangements have yet been completed for Imperial Airways to fly over France or Italy so as to eliminate the train journey, Paris to Brindisi; whether this will include any night flying; and from what date it will be effective?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAn agreement with Italy has been signed and, as I informed the House a few days since, a provisional understanding having been reached with the French Government, I am hopeful that a similar agreement in respect of France will be formally concluded in the very early future. When this latter also has been signed, there will still necessarily be a considerable amount of preparatory work to be undertaken before Imperial Airways can put this section of 1134 the route into actual operation; and, until the organisation is further advanced, I shall not be in a position to give a date for its completion or information as to the company's future timetable and precise methods of operation.