HC Deb 25 July 1929 vol 230 cc1501-2W
Major POLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a contract has been made for the operation of a subsidised air mail and passenger service from Karachi to Delhi; and, if so, when it is anticipated this service will commence?

Mr. BENN

Negotiations are in progress, but a contract has not yet been concluded. It is hoped that the service will commence during the last three months of this year.

Major POLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether seeing that in the case of letters addressed to Bombay a considerable part of the advantage in time in transporting these letters to India by air is lost in conveying them by railway from the present air terminus at Karachi to Bombay, he will advise the Government of India to consider the institution of a subsidiary air-mail service from Karachi to Bombay?

Mr. BENN

The Government of India have already considered this question and have decided to give priority to the service from Karachi to Rangoon. When arrangements are nearing completion for that service further consideration will be given to the question of providing funds for other lines.