HC Deb 01 April 1936 vol 310 cc1984-5
31. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the time allowance which Imperial Airways makes for the journey to Singapore from London, also from Singapore to London, and also the official time allowance for the same route by the Dutch line?

Sir P. SASSOON

Making adjustments for changes in standard times, the time allowances shown in Imperial Airways time-tables for the journeys London-Singapore and Singapore-London are 188 hours and 204 hours respectively. The corresponding times by K.L.M. services throughout for the journey to and from London are 144 hours and 148 hours respectively. I should add that under the new Empire scheme announced some time since, the fleet for which is already under construction, it is contemplated progressively to reduce the time taken between London and Singapore to under five days.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is not the right hon. Gentleman a little unhappy about the general position of Imperial Airways, and does he not realise that it is almost a national disgrace that we are so behind other countries?

32. Sir F. SANDERSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the cause of Imperial Airways failing to adhere to published schedules in its flights between London and Singapore; and the average number of days per flight they have been late during the last 12 flights?

Sir P. SASSOON

The loss of the "Sylvanus" in Brindisi harbour by fire last November necessitated the use of "Calcuttas," which are of lower cruising speed. This fact, coupled with exceptionally bad weather in the Mediterranean and the resultant destruction of the slipway at Alexandria, dislocated the company's repair overhaul programme, rendering occasional variations from the published time-tables unavoidable. The average delay on the last 12 flights is less than one day.

Sir F. SANDERSON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during the same month of February the Dutch line flew seven outward voyages, and that they arrived to time? In view of the fact that the Dutch line does the journey in five days, while Imperial Airways take eight days, does he not regard this as very serious?

Mr. BOSSOM

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the speed of Imperial Airways?