§ Mr. Silkinasked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the withdrawal from the service of Imperial Airways, Limited, of a number of fast-flying aeroplanes, with the result that the existing service of that company is far inferior to many other British and foreign competing companies; and will he reconsider, in these circumstances, the continuation of the subsidy which is granted to this company alone, to the exclusion of others?
Captain BalfourYes, Sir. I am aware that Ensign aircraft have been withdrawn from service on the London-Paris route and that the Frobisher aircraft were withdrawn for a few days recently. The service from London to Paris is at present run partly by Frobisher aircraft and partly by older types, and that from London to Frankfurt via Brussels is operated solely by Frobisher aircraft. As the Frobisher aircraft is the fastest and the most modern aircraft in service on these routes I am unable to accept the suggestion that the service of the company is inferior to other British and foreign companies.
394WThe existing agreement with Imperial Airways for air services in Europe expires on 31st March next and this agreement, together with the arrangements with British Airways, which company is also subsidised for certain European services, is at present under review.