§ Sir W. SUGDENasked the Postmaster-General whether the review of British air mail policy which is being undertaken by the various Departments concerned at 786W the present time is likely to be completed before the House adjourns for the summer; and whether he anticipates being able to make a statement in connection therewith before such date?
§ Sir K. WOODThe necessary inquiries are being actively pursued, but I regret that I cannot at present say when it will be possible to make a statement on the subject.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Postmaster-General what were the total payments to British and foreign air companies, respectively, for the carriage of mails for the 12 months prior to the last available date; and whether he can give any corresponding figures for other countries?
§ Sir K. WOODThe total payments to the British air company concerned or to Imperial postal administrations for the conveyance of mails despatched from this country or carried for other administrations during the year ended 31st March, 1934, was £219,000. The total payments to foreign air companies, or to foreign postal administrations, in respect of the air conveyance of British mails during the same period was £71,000: the great bulk of these payments was in respect of services for which there were no British services. I regret I am not in possession of the information asked for in the second part of the question.