HC Deb 16 May 1934 vol 289 cc1747-8
21. Mr. SIMMONDS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the fact that over 40 regular night air services are in operation in Germany each week and none by British aircraft in this country, he will take steps to inaugurate British night air services in and from the British Isles?

Sir P. SASSOON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given him on Monday last, in which I stated that there are seven German night air services, and that a considerable amount of night flying is carried out on our Imperial Air routes. As regards purely internal night services in this country, this is primarily a matter for the operating companies, and the fact that they have no so far developed such services is no doubt for the reasons already given.

Mr. SIMMONDS

Is it not a fact that we are virtually giving a monopoly in experience in night flying to Germany; and does not my hon. Friend realise that it is placing this country in a very serious position as far as its effects are concerned?

Sir P. SASSOON

I think it must depend on the demand.