§ 28. Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement on the failure of Imperial Airways, Limited, to maintain an adequate service between London and Paris and return between 14th June and 22nd June; and whether the situation has yet improved?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)Between the dates mentioned the regular operational schedule of seven services in each direction between London and Paris was operated by Imperial Airways, Limited, except on 20th June, when one flight was cancelled. Some irregularity in actual times compared with the published timetables occurred because on certain days during this period aircraft of the Heracles type had to be used on services in place of Frobishers, temporarily withdrawn for remedy of a minor technical defect. Since 21st June, aircraft of the Ensign and Frobisher types have been operating on this service.
§ Mr. PerkinsIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that on 20th June passengers by Imperial Airways from Le Bourget to London were kept waiting at Le Bourget for more than 2½ hours owing to the absence of any Imperia0.l Airways machine, and that during that time they watched the departure of two Air-France 399 machines for this country? Does he not think that such incidents are having a deplorable effect on the reputation of British aviation?
§ Captain BalfourI am not aware of the exact circumstances which the hon. Member has just mentioned. If he will send me particulars of the actual times I will investigate the matter, but the delay was probably attributable to the reasons which I have mentioned in my original reply.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not quicker by train?