§ Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Air why on the first regular mail flight from India the 2037W aeroplane left the mails behind at Bagdad through taking off three hours before time?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have been asked to reply. Although the incident to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was undoubtedly unfortunate, it must be set down to the fact that the service was largely experimental. I understand that the early departure from Bagdad was due to a desire to deliver the first Indian mail punctually in London, anxiety being felt lest the time allowed for the relatively untried and difficult journey from Alexandria to Genoa might prove to be insufficient. I am assured by the company that in future the advertised time table will be scrupulously adhered to.