§ 36. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of 2306 aeroplanes which will take part in the forthcoming aerial pageant; and whether new features are to be incorporated in it?
§ Mr. LEACHThe answer to the first part of the question is, approximately, 170 aeroplanes; to the second, that new features will comprise:
Flying display by aeroplanes from No. 2 Air Regiment of the French Military Air Service.
Competition in picking up messages from the ground.
Wing flying drill (two squadrons). This is the largest formation hitherto engaged at the pageant.
Air attack on a commerce destroyer by a flight of torpedo aeroplanes, supported by a flight of fighting aircraft.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAre arrangements being made to give overseas visitors now in England an opportunity of seeing th[...] pageant?
§ Mr. P. HARRISWhat is the purpose of this pageant? Is it for amusement, is it to raise money, is it for a strategic purpose, or for a manœuvring purpose?
§ Mr. HARDIEAt this special display will the public be entertained by the evolutions of the helicopter, which, we understand, is now capable of leaving the ground?
Sir F. HALLAs this pageant is for a combination of all the purposes mentioned, who is going to get the financial benefits derived from it?