Mr. L. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Air the approximate mileage flown on recognised commercial routes ilk 1919, 1920, and 1921; what steps are being taken by the Controller of Civil Aviation to increase the routes, and which routes; and when can it be expected that reasonably reliable services will be found in operation on such routes as, say, to Egypt and to India?
Captain GUESTThe mileage flown in 1919, 1920, and 1921 was 105,000, 642,000, and 224,000 respectively. As regards the second part of the question, the policy of the Government was announced in another place by my right hon. Friend (Lord Gorell) on 27th October last. As regards the last part of the question, it is not possible at present to give any forecast of the date when regular commercial services will be in operation to Egypt and India.
Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of commercial routes now operating under the British flag; and what assistance, financial or otherwise, are they now receiving?
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Captain GUESTIn Europe the only route in operation under the British flag is that between London and Paris. The terms of the financial assistance given to the two firms operating this route are given in Command Paper 1521 presented to Parliament in October last. The agreements set forth in that Paper have been extended to the 28th instant. Additional assistance is given by the provision of aerodromes, emergency landing grounds, and the ground organisation, wireless and meteorological facilities provided at these aerodromes. The development of various routes in the Dominions is in contemplation by the Governments concerned. It is believed, however, that none of these routes is in regular operation at the present time.