HC Deb 25 March 1925 vol 182 cc421-2
36. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the establishing of further municipal or civil landing places for aircraft to encourage civil aviation?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major Sir Philip Sassoon)

It is not desirable, for financial and other reasons, to provide Government civil aerodromes in advance of the need for them, but the attention of local authorities has been drawn to the desirability of making provision for aerodromes, particularly in connection with town planning schemes.

37. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will arrange for British Air Attaches to visit our aircraft manufacturers before they take up their posts?

Sir P. SASSOON

Arrangements are always made to ensure that officers appointed as air attaches are conversant with the various types of both Service and civil aircraft. Visits to aircraft factories are arranged when considered necessary.

38. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for Air what facilities are offered to foreign pilots to train with our Air Force with a view of encouraging the purchase of British aircraft manufactures?

Sir P. SASSOON

The resources of the Air Force are available for the training of foreign officers as far as Service requirements permit, and it is the policy of the Air Ministry to encourage the attachment of such officers in suitable cases.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in countries where they encourage foreign pilots to come a great deal of trade results?

Sir P. SASSOON

Yes, and that is one of the reasons why we encourage foreign pilots to come whenever they can.