§ 69. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the Secretary of State for Air how the contemplated air-mail services across the Northern Atlantic are progressing?
Captain BalfourAs I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) yesterday, it had been necessary to modify the provisional programme of trans-Atlantic flights which I gave in July last, in reply to the hon. Member for West Islington (Mr. Montague). The Mayo Composite aircraft carried out two successful trans-Atlantic flights in July, and later a successful non-stop flight from England to South Africa. Modifications found necessary in the Albatross land-plane, and delay in the completion of the new Empire flying boat on account of urgent Service requirements, prevented the carrying out of the programme for these types. It has, therefore, been decided to defer continuation of the programme until more favourable conditions next spring, and in the meantime flight and refuelling tests are being carried out in this country.
§ Mr. SimmondsDoes my hon. and gallant Friend still hope that it may be possible to run a regular mail service some time during 1939?
Captain BalfourYes, Sir. As I said in July, we still hope to start a regular seasonal service in 1939.
§ Mr. MathersCan the Minister say from what point in England the South African flight commenced?
Captain BalfourThe South African flight commenced by the top part taking off from the lower, but where the place was, I do not know.
§ Mr. MathersWas it not Dundee?