HC Deb 21 December 1938 vol 342 c2861
27. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for Air particulars of the manner in which the Brindisi-Alexandria service is now working; and of what country of origin are the flying boats operating on this service?

Captain Balfour

There are eight flying-boat services each week in each direction between Brindisi and Alexandria. The route is a section of the Empire Air route operated by Imperial Airways with "Empire" class flying-boats constructed at Rochester. Some of the boats used are owned by Qantas Empire Airways, Limited, the Australian company associated with Imperial Airways, and bear Australian registration marks.

Mr. Day

What is the present condition of these flying-boats? Are they practically obsolete?

Captain Balfour

No, I would not admit that these flying-boats are obsolete. In fact, they are the envy of many foreign air lines.

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