HC Deb 21 December 1927 vol 212 cc428-9W
Mr. VIANT

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the instalments in respect of subsidy to Imperial Airways are paid in arrear or in advance; and for what periods and in what sums have they been paid for the European and Eastern routes in arrear or in advance?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the European services, the subsidy of (at present) £137,000 per annum is paid monthly in arrear, and the amount so far paid has been £498,680, made up of three amounts of £137,000 each in respect of the three years ending 31st March, 1927, and £87,680 in respect of the current financial year to date. As regards the Eastern services, the possible maximum subsidy of £93,600 per annum is payable up to a total of £85,000 by instalments in advance, the balance of £8,600, so far as it is earned, being payable in arrear. The instalments so far paid have been; £30,000 in December, 1926; £30,000 in June, 1927; and £25,000 in September, 1927.