HC Deb 08 May 1947 vol 437 cc85-6W
Mr. Bartlett

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that B.O.A.C. now have only one service a week from Singapore to the United Kingdom, with seats for four passengers; and whether Lancastrians, Sunderlands or other converted war aircraft will be immediately made available so that passengers may not, as now, be compelled to book four months in advance.

Mr. Lindgren

The answer to the first part of the Question is, Yes, Sir The question whether the allotment of seats on the British Overseas Airways Corporation flying boat service from Singapore to the United Kingdom can be increased, is, however, under consultation between the London and Singapore Priority Boards. In addition to the British Overseas Airways Corporation service, Royal Air Force Transport Command operates a passenger service five times a week from Singapore to the United Kingdom, which although primarily for service passengers, is also available for priority civilian passengers when they cannot be accommodated on the British Overseas Airways Corporation service. With regard to the second part of the Question, it is not intended to supplement this service by the use of converted war aircraft at present.