§ 21. Mr. LYONSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what services are in operation now for air travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town; upon what date Johannesburg became the African terminus for the services in Africa of Imperial Airways; and to what extent, if at all, has Imperial Airways any control or responsibility for the extension to Cape Town?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAir services between Johannesburg and Cape Town are now operated by South African Airways Limited. Johannesburg became the African terminus of Imperial Airways as from 1st April, 1936. The latter company now has no control or responsibility in respect of the extension to Cape Town, but the services of the two companies are closely co-ordinated.
§ Mr. LYONSAm I to understand that Johannesburg is now the terminus for the British air service to Africa, and that neither this country nor the Imperial Airways' associated company in South Africa has any concern or responsibility at all for the journey to the proper terminus at Cape Town?
§ Sir P. SASSOONJohannesburg is now, as I said in my answer, the terminus of Imperial Airways. But the two companies are closely co-ordinated.
§ Mr. LENNOX-BOYDIs this the latest manifestation of General Hertzog's statement that South Africa is now entirely an independent sovereign State?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo, Sir, it is a. preparatory step towards the introduction of the Empire Air Mail scheme.
§ Mr. LYONSHas this alteration of the terminus been carried out at the request of Imperial Airways or at the request of the South African Government?
§ Captain HAROLD BALFOURHas this German equipment which the company are using on the South African airways satisfied his Department as being part of the Empire Air Mail scheme?
§ Sir P. SASSOONSouth Africa has had a certain proportion of German aeroplanes for some years past now.