§ 25. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Air the time allowances, allowing for the adjustments in standard time, for the journey from London to Singapore, and from Singapore to London, made by Imperial Airways, Limited; and the corresponding times for the same ser vice made by the K.L.M. service?
Captain BalfourThe present time-tables give the following transit times: Imperial Airways, Limited, London to Singapore, 6 days 4 hours, and Singapore to London, 6 days 10 hours 44 minutes. The corresponding figures for the K.L.M. service are 5 days 17 hours 15 minutes, and 5 days 13 hours 5 mintues.
§ Mr. DayAre any modern aircraft being constructed for Imperial Airways by which it is hoped to reduce that time?
Captain BalfourIt is intended to speed up progressively the time-table of the Empire Service by an extension of night flying and also, in due course, by the construction of aircraft, prototype production orders for which have already been placed.
§ Mr. DayWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer my question whether any aircraft are being constructed?
Captain BalfourThere are 14 of a new type of civil aircraft being constructed now by Messrs. Fairey's, and they will probably, when completed in 1941 or 1942, be used on this and other routes.