BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1930, Page 6

BRITISH POLITICS.

AN AVIATION BILL

fUnited Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

RUGBY, May 14

" The House of Commons last night passed the second reading of a Bill authorising the Air Ministry to subsidise civil aviation on long term agreements to the extent of one million pounds yearly for ten years. The Government’s policy was endorsed by the former Air Minister (.Sir Samuel Hoare) but he suggested some of the money should be devoted to experimental mail services with small machines, travelling at 150 miles an hour over stages of about seven hundred miles, and flying by night. He suggested experiments to see if it would not be possible to unite a taxi service between London and the Ports by use of a auto*gito machine and thought the Charing, Cross bridge scheme offered possibilities for establishing a centre in the heart of London for these air tgxies. •' > The dir Minister (Mr Mpnteith declined to arrange a general discussion on civil aviation prospects. He said the question of air services in the West Indies was being investigated. Regarding airships in the nex( stage they must be aide to discover the extent to which long distance flights could be made to scheduled time.

IN THE- OOBIBIONS.

LONDON, May 14

In the Commons, Blr Eden inquired if there were any decision as the outcome of the Naval Conference to proceed with the Singapore base as agreed at the Imperial Conference- in 1926

Mr Alexander fsa.id the question wa»s still being considered. Mr Eden: Why further delay beyond the three months promised.

Mr Alexander: You are anxious for the Dominions to l>e consulted. It is most important to examine the whole facts