§ Mr. Lyonsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement on the working and schedules up to date of the accelerated Empire services of Imperial Airways, Limited?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead:The new timetables providing for the accelerated services were introduced on 10th April. On the eastern section there is a saving of two days to Basra and all places beyond to Singapore, which is reached in five and a-half days; the return journey being completed in six days. On the southern section there is a saving of one and a-half days to East Africa and of two days to Durban, which is reached in five days; the return journey being completed in five and a-half days.
Up to 30th April, 34 flights under the new schedule were completed. In 10 cases a delay of roughly 24 hours or more occurred, but in no case did the delay amount to two days. Except for three cases due to engine trouble the delays were due to bad weather.