Air Services (Irish Free State)
63.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether seeing the need for the establishment of an air service between London and the Irish Free State, he will communicate with the Free State Government and see whether an agreement can be arrived at between the two countries for the establishment of such a service?
My Noble Friend is fully in sympathy with the object, as I understand it, which the hon. and gallant Member has in view, but it does not appear that the circumstances are such as would justify any representations at the present time to His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State. The establishment of an air service between London and the Irish Free State would naturally be a matter of private enterprise, and any discussion between the two Governments, to be practical, should have reference to concrete proposals which had been put forward. No such proposals have been received by the Air Ministry.
As it is so very desirable, could the hon. Gentleman not make representations to Imperial Airways with a view to having all these lines to central Europe and other countries?
All these considerations are in the mind of the Minister.
Is it quite right to say that it is a matter only of private enterprise when we subsidise these air lines?
Is it not a fact that one of the difficulties in the way is that the Irish Free State has not provided any aerodromes?
Yes, they have.
There are plenty of them.
Airships R 100 And R 101
64.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can now state when the Airship R 100 is to make her first commercial flight?
No arrangements for commercial flights by R 100 have yet been considered, but it is expected that she will make an experimental flight to Canada towards the end of May.
Will Members of Parliament have an opportunity of taking part in the flight?
That will be considered.
Would it not be better to be quite frank with the public and tell them that neither of these airships will be of any value for commercial purposes?
65.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he intends to arrange for a flight for Members of Parliament in the R100 or the R101; and, if so, when?
My Noble Friend hopes that it will be possible to arrange for a flight or flights, but both airships will be in their sheds for a little time to come and it is inadvisable to make any arrangements for the present.
Is the hon. Member aware that there are many Members of this House who are not likely to vote any more money for airships until they have been taken for a successful flight?
Blackmail!