§ Mr. LYON (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for War why, if it was considered that the postponement of the 1097 announced flight of military aeroplanes from London to Madrid was advisable, in view of possible transport difficulties in connection with the preparations required for any flight of this kind the official reason for the postponement given to the Press was "the disturbed conditions existing in Spain"; and whether the official announcement published in the Press the following day (namely, 7th March), that "as the reports of the disturbed conditions of Spain had been proved to have been greatly exaggerated it is hoped to proceed with the proposed flight in due course," was made after representations by the Spanish Government that the initial statement was incorrect, inasmuch as there were never any disturbances in Spain which would interfere with such a flight.
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major-General Seely)The Ministry of Shipping represented to the Air Ministry that considerable delay was probable in the delivery of the special petrol, oil and spares necessary for this flight owing to disturbed conditions in Spain. It was accordingly decided to postpone this important flight pending the receipt of further information. The Spanish Government having informed us that there are no disturbances calculated to prevent the arrival of the necessary materials, arrangements for the flight are now being proceeded with.