§ 64. Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Postmaster-General what was the total volume of mail despatched by Imperial Airways, Limited, during the past Christ- 904 mas season; and how this compares with the amount despatched at similar periods in 1936 and 1937?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe weight of first class mail despatched from this country by Imperial Airways' services on the routes to South Africa and to India, Malaya and Australia during the seven weeks ended 24th December, 1938, was 222 tons. The figures for the comparable periods of 1936 and 1937 were 27 tons and 81 tons respectively.
§ Mr. MoreingIs the Minister aware that during that period persons wishing to travel by Imperial Airways to Africa, to India and to Australia were unable to en gage accommodation on the machines be cause of the great weight of air mail which was being carried; and will he consider, before next Christmas, whether it will be possible to separate the air mail traffic from the passenger traffic?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI was not aware of the inconvenience caused to passengers in this way. My concern is to see that the air mail is carried, but I will certainly undertake to consult Imperial Airways upon the point which the hon. Member has raised.
§ Captain MacdonaldIs the Minister aware that these air mail contracts are causing serious dislocation of passenger transport upon Imperial Airways routes?