§ 43. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many square miles of the Colonial Empire have been air-surveyed since January, 1946, by private companies; and whether he will publish details.
Mr. Creech JonesThe air surveys by private companies have been carried out under arrangements made direct by the companies with the Colonial Governments concerned or with private firms in the Colonies, and I regret that the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member is not available.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the right hon. Gentleman know how these figures, whatever they may be, compare with those for similar work carried out by the Royal Air Force?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, sir. The private companies would not have the resources to do the large-scale work which these surveys require.
§ Mr. KeelingCan the Secretary of State say why none of the British survey companies has been asked to take part in the survey of Africa, for which Americans are being employed?
Mr. Creech JonesThey have been doing quite a number of local schemes. It would be quite impossible for the private companies to cope with the new schemes, however, because of their size.