§ 37. Mr. LYONSasked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he will indicate the number of aircraft in operation on the Johannesburg-Capetown air service and their country or countries of origin?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo information is available as to the number of aircraft in operation on the Johannesburg-Capetown air service, which is a matter for His Majesty's Government in the Union. I understand that all the aircraft at present being used by South African Airways are of German manufacture but that the company is shortly taking delivery of some British machines.
§ Mr. LYONSDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it is very unsatisfactory that this fundamental link in Empire communications should be covered by foreign made aircraft, and does he think it right that a Government subsidised company giving through bookings over this line should allow part of the route to be covered by foreign machines? Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest moment.