§ Mr. L. SMITHasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the extension of air-mail services to many outlying portions of the Empire is being retarded through the estimated initial revenue therefrom being insufficient to justify air-mail services; and whether, in view of the advantages to Imperial trade in developing such services to all parts of the Empire, he will consider allocating part of the profit derived from existing air-mail services to the development of new services by means of guaranteeing a minimum payment for the initial period?
§ Sir K. WOODThe profits on air-mail services amounted in 1930–1931 to approximately £1000, and the air-mail charges on a number of routes have since been reduced. Apart from other questions, no funds are available to carry out my hon. Friend's suggestion.