Oral Answers to Questions — Imperial Airways, Limited.

– in the House of Commons at on 11 December 1931.

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Photo of Mr Harold Balfour Mr Harold Balfour , Isle of Thanet

6.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state what particular aeroplanes and seaplanes have been lent by the Air Ministry to Imperial Airways, Limited, for operation since 1st April, 1929; on what dates were they handed over to Imperial Airways, Limited; on what dates were they returned to the Air Ministry; and what estimate, if any, has been made as to the value of the machines to Imperial Airways, Limited, while they were on the service of that company?

Photo of Sir Philip Sassoon Sir Philip Sassoon , Hythe

A Super-marine "Southampton" aircraft belonging to the Air Ministry, with two Napier-Lion engines and one spare engine, was temporarily in the possession of Imperial Airways, Limited, from 15th November, 1929, until 19th February, 1930. This was in consequence of the accidents which had occurred to the company's machines during the latter part of 1929. An appropriate charge was made by the Air Ministry.

Photo of Mr Harold Balfour Mr Harold Balfour , Isle of Thanet

Would the Air Minister be prepared to grant similar facilities to any other air transport concern similarly equipped?

Photo of Sir Philip Sassoon Sir Philip Sassoon , Hythe

I should like to have notice of that question.

Photo of Mr Harold Balfour Mr Harold Balfour , Isle of Thanet

7.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many machines or engines have been handed ever by the Air Ministry to Imperial Airways, Limited, since 1st April 1929; what particular machines or engines have been handed over; what was the cost of each to the Air Ministry; and how much was paid for these machines or engines by the company?

Photo of Viscount  Lymington Viscount Lymington , Basingstoke

5.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what sums have been granted to Imperial Airways, Limited, in addition to the subsidies, towards the establishment of the England-Egypt, Egypt-India, and the African routes?

Photo of Sir Philip Sassoon Sir Philip Sassoon , Hythe

The terms on which the Agreement for the Indian Service was negotiated included the free transfer to Imperial Airways of two "Calcutta" Flying boats. In accordance with the arrangements described in Command Paper 3143 of July 1928, the Company paid £40,000 for the two boats, with a per contra lump sum addition of £40,000 to the current year's subsidy. Further, when it was arranged that the sea mileage on the Indian route should be extended, necessitating an addition to Imperial Airways' fleet not allowed for in the original terms, it was decided to make a capital grant of £20,000 to the Company in the form of a contribution towards the first of the new flying boats on the trans-Mediterranean section of that route.

Photo of Mr Harold Balfour Mr Harold Balfour , Isle of Thanet

Is the Air Minister prepared to grant similar facilities to any other air transport company?

Photo of Sir Philip Sassoon Sir Philip Sassoon , Hythe

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of that question also.