HC Deb 14 December 1949 vol 470 cc272-3W
92. Mr. Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the future operation by British Overseas Airways Corporation of flying-boats.

Mr. Lindgren

Three Princess Flying Boats are on order for British Overseas Airways Corporation. These will not come into use before 1953. In the meantime, British Overseas Airways Corporation plan to replace the Solents which are in service on the African routes by the more economical, speedier and pressurised Hermes aircraft.

93. Mr. Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation at what places in the Commonwealth His Majesty's Government maintains or enjoys facilities for the handling and operation of British flying-boats.

Mr. Lindgren

Following is the listFacilities for the handling and operation of civil flying-boats exist at the following places in the Commonwealth:

  • Australia—Bowen, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Karumba, Port Adelaide, Rathmines, Sydney, Townsville.
  • Canada—Gander, Halifax, North Bay, Ottawa, Patricia Bay, Vancouver.
  • Fiji—Lauthala Bay.
  • New Zealand—Auckland, Wellington.
  • South Africa—Vaaldam.
  • Southern Rhodesia—Victoria Falls.
  • North Borneo—Labuan, Sandakan.
  • Singapore—Kallang.
  • Uganda—Kampala.
  • Kenya—Kisumu, Lake Naivasha, Mombasa.
  • Nyasaland—Cape Maclear.
  • Bermuda—Darrell's Island.
  • United Kingdom—Southampton.

Note: —Not all these bases are equipped to handle every type of flying-boat. Civil flying-boats may also, under special conditions, use military bases.