§ Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the machines of Imperial Airways, Limited, are inspected before each and every flight by inspectors of the Air Ministry; and, if so, what part of the cost of these inspections is borne by the company?
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§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, daily inspections as laid down in the Regulations contained in the Air Navigation Order are carried out by the company's own ground engineers, who are licensed by the Air Ministry for this purpose. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for Air the rental paid to the Exchequer by the Imperial Airways, Limited, for the use of the aerodrome and landing ground at Croydon and Lympne, and if the sum is inclusive of rate; if the hotel at Croydon for which a licence was applied for by the Air Ministry, and granted by the local licensing authority, will be rented by Imperial Airways, Limited, or be retained as a Ministry concern; or, if it is intended to be rented by Imperial Airways, Limited, what is the rental agreed upon?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, the amount paid by Imperial Airways, Limited, for the rent of buildings and for housing and landing fees for aircraft at Croydon Aerodrome for the 12 months ended 31st March, 1927, was £3,744; this sum was exclusive of rates. Housing and landing charges were paid by the company at Lympne for the same period to the amount of £202. As regards the second part, the hotel at Croydon will be in the hands neither of Imperial Airways nor of the Air Ministry; it is to be built and conducted as a private undertaking by Messrs. Barclay, Perkins and Company, Limited. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.