§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for Air what air service there is between Western Australia and Ceylon; how long it has been in operation; and whether he is satisfied with the service.
§ Sir A. SinclairSince July, 1943, an air service providing essential war communications between Western Australia and Ceylon has been successfully operated by Qantas Empire Airways on behalf of British Overseas Airways Corporation. The service was originally established by the Royal Air Force in May, 1943. There are at present five return flights over the route per fortnight, but it is hoped shortly to increase this frequency. I should like to take this opportunity of paying high tribute to the devotion to duty and skill of the captains and members of the crews 53W who have undertaken the operation of this service under war-time conditions. Their achievement has been of high value to the combined war effort.