HC Deb 17 December 1947 vol 445 cc1678-9
13. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why the empty seats in sectors other than Karachi to Singapore were not filled in the aircraft specially chartered to carry the Minister of Civil Aviation on his recent visit to Australia and the Far East in view of the waiting list of passengers, and the saving in cost of this trip to the taxpayer.

Mr. Lindgren

Because no space was available.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is it not a fact that on certain sections of short haul, seats were available and were not available only for the long haul between Karachi and Singapore? Why were those empty seats over the short section not used?

Mr. Lindgren

No, Sir. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman's information is wrong. A Lancastrian fitted out for the Australian route carries six persons, with sleeping bunks, and that is the passenger pay load throughout the route.

Mr. Shepherd

Can the Minister say that the aircraft was used for sleeping purposes and that the normal stops for sleeping were not made?

Mr. Lindgren

The answer is a combination of both. Stops were made and the aircraft was also used for sleeping purposes.