§ 36. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement showing exactly what steps have been taken by the Air Ministry to assist in the success of the British round-the-world flight?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. LEACH)Squadron-Leader Maclaren has been lent instruments and maps for his flight and supplied with full meteorological and other advice in regard to the selection of his route. The commanding officers of all Royal Air Force stations on or near the line of his flight were instructed to render all possible help to him, and an engine was lent by Air Headquarters, Iraq, to replace the one damaged in his forced landing in the Sindh Desert.
§ Captain BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say anything as to what assistance could be rendered to Squadron-Leader Maclaren in the flight across the Pacific?
§ Viscount CURZONDid the hon. Gentleman before Squadron-Leader Maclaren started across the Pacific, take steps to get into touch with the Admiralty, with a view to naval assistance being provided, if necessary, in this very dangerous passage?
§ Captain BENNCould the hon. Gentleman say—this is not a party question at all—whether any communication was 1502 made to the Admiralty by the Air Ministry, so that this gallant officer should have any necessary assistance in this dangerous flight?
§ Mr. LEACHI have not any information on that matter, but I presume that representations of that character would be made.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir SAMUEL HOAREIf the hon. Gentleman would look up the papers, I think he will find that representations were made, and that all the Departments concerned were ready to do everything possible to make the flight a success?