§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Assistant Postmaster-General in the Government of the United States of North America, has stated that by use of aeroplanes to carry mails between New York, Chicago, and Washington at two cents a letter, a saving will be affected of over $1,500,000 in 1920 over all other methods of transit; and, in view of this statement, will he reconsider the airmail fee of 2s. 8½d. between England and France with a view to popularising this service and placing it on a commercial footing?
§ Mr. PEASEThe sum of $1,500,000 referred to by the hon. Member is the estimated value of the travelling post offices and other railway rolling stock and the time of post office sorters which will be rendered unnecessary by the provision of the additional aeroplanes recently ordered by the United States Post Office for its air mail services. Payment for the conveyance of mails by rail in the United States is made on a basis different from that in force in this country; but I do not gather that the sum indicated is a net saving consequent on the use of aeroplanes for the conveyance of mails. The air mail service between London and Paris is experimental, and the arrangements are of a temporary character and will be reviewed after six months' working. I hope that when permanent arrangements for the service are made it will be possible to reduce the amount of the special fee.