§ 53. Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry have supplied Imperial Airways, Limited, with any motor-boats; if so, how many; and whether any payment has been made to the Air Ministry for these boats?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)Under the agreements for operation of the Empire services the Air Ministry is responsible for providing or arranging for the pro vision at certain stopping places on the Empire routes of all ground services and ground equipment which are essential aids to navigation. Motor-boats are included in such equipment, the total numbers at present involved being approximately 80. The cost of upkeep of these boats is borne by the Air Ministry or the local government concerned, but the arrangements provide for debiting Imperial Airways for the use of the boats when employed for purposes of the company other than those specified in the agreements.