HC Deb 17 November 1937 vol 329 cc383-4
39. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the programme of Transatlantic air services for 1938?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

In view of the successful series of experimental flights which have recently been carried out it is proposed to continue further experimental work as soon as winter conditions are over at Botwood and new aircraft are available. It is anticipated that two landplanes (Albatross type) will be ready by the spring or early summer and three new flying boats (improved Empire type) by the summer for carrying out a further series of experimental flights. In addition it is hoped that the upper component, the Mercury, of the Mayo composite aircraft will be ready to cross to Botwood as soon as that airport is sufficiently clear of ice to accommodate the Mercury, which is a floatplane.

Mr. Simmonds

Is there any probability of the new large flying boat which is being constructed by Messrs. Short, being run experimentally across the Atlantic next year?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

We hope that the new flying boat which has been earmarked for the North Atlantic traffic route will be ready by 1938.