§ 27. Mr. Dayasked 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 BalfourThere 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.
Captain BalfourNo, I would not admit that these flying-boats are obsolete. In fact, they are the envy of many foreign air lines.