BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. (Australian Presrf Association & San.) LONDON. March 13. Commander Kenworthy asked if the route to India would eventually continue to Australia? Sir S. Hoare replied that he hoped so. Commander Jven worthy: “Are you negotiating with the Dutch P” Sir S. Hoare: “Wo have had friendly talks with them. Once we get to India, we hope to. pass Dutch East Indies on the way to Australia.” Turning to the Royal Air Force, Sir S. Hoare pointed out that since 1922 the number of squadrons had - been doubled but the personnel had been increased bv only one fifth. The most significant fact was the value of the Air Force as a. primary independent arm, as shown in Iraq, Palestine and Transjordania. The Air I'orce, henceforth, would take over responsibility for the garrison at Aden. ’Hie Air Force had never failed in any difficult responsible tasks, and was improving steadily in proportion to flying hours to accidents. Dalton, instancing day and night services in United States, said he hoped Britain would not abandon the idea of regular long distance aeroplane services. Captain Quest said we could not pride ourselves on civilian flying. AAe had only thirty commercial machines, whereas’ United States had over three hundred companies running air services and, in addition three thousand to four thousand privately owned machines, compared with thirty in Britain. Germany had built up large air services in the last eight to ten years. All the machines were convertible for military purposes. France’s c-ivlian aviation subsidy was double Britain’s. TX THE COMMONS. LONDON. March 13. Mr Hannon inquired in the House of Commons if the Air Ministry appioved of the speed trial in which Kinkead was killed, and if trials served a useful purpose? Sir S. Hoare., in replying, said he had no further information about the accident. Kinkead’x was the same tvpe of engine as won the Schneider Cup. Every precaution was taken to reduce accidents to a minimum. Ho was sure the House would join in expressing sympathy with the relatives of a very gallant officer. (Cheers). Mr Williams in answer to a question as to the benefits from preferential duties in the Dominions, said he could not fully state llio terms, but he submitted figures for 1925, which were the latest available. Australia’s ports from Britain of articles subject to preference totalled £03.850.000 aggregate and preference rebate on that sum was £7,800.000. The corresponding figures were: New Zealand, £20.700.000 and £2,860.000; Canada, £23.150,000 and £2,470.000; .South Africa. £3,850,000 and £375.000. Sir S. Hoare said the Air Ministry had approved of Kinkead’s flight.