§ Sir C. MacAndrewasked the Secretary of State for Air why the air-mail from Sierra Leone has been suspended; and whether in view of the consequent dislocation of business, he can give an assurance that it will be restarted at an early date?
Captain BalfourThe suspension of the service referred to was due to a defect in the aircraft employed, but the operating company have decided that this suspension must be continued indefinitely. The reason for this decision is that the company have sustained considerable financial loss, the revenue from mails and passengers being out of proportion to the operating cost. It is intended that this route shall be reopened, not as a local service but as part of the system of projected England to West Africa services. It is not possible to forecast the date of reopening as this is dependent upon the provision of the necessary African bases and ground organisation between England and West Africa, and the provision of suitable equipment.