§ 14. Captain JAMES MacANDREWasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what proportion the annual subsidies paid to air-transport companies registered in Britain hear to the paid-up capital of these companies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe only company concerned is Imperial Airways, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to that company's published accounts and to Air Estimates, where he will find the subsidy payable under Vote 8.
§ Captain MacANDREWDoes that include the entire subsidy received by Imperial Airways?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt includes all the subsidy.
§ 15. Captain J. MacANDREWasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent it is proposed to subsidise the new internal air services which are to be formed on behalf of the railway companies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThere is no proposal to subsidise the services in question.
20. Captain BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the approaching termination of the present subsidy agreement with Imperial Airways, Limited, the subject of subsidies to any British air transport company has been considered by the Government; and whether the views of the various interested sections of the aeronautical community have been or will be invited regarding the policy which should govern the granting of any future subsidies?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe main agreement with Imperial Airways does not expire for a period of over five years. The further development of British air transport is, however, continuously under review by the Air Ministry and it is always possible that a scheme or schemes may eventuate which would render desirable some alteration in that agreement. The Society of British Aircraft Constructors has recently, at the request of the Air Ministry, furnished a written statement of its views on subsidy policy, and the other interests concerned are, of course, at liberty to take similar action at any time.