§ 39. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is now in a position to make any further statement as to the action to be taken by the Air Ministry to retain the Schneider Cup next year?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)The hon. and gallant Member will no doubt have seen the statement issued by the Air Ministry on Friday. There has been general agreement in aeronautical circles for a considerable time past that the holding of the contest for the Schneider Trophy annually is not in the best interests of civil aviation, since an interval of a single year is insufficient under modern conditions to secure the progress in the design of marine aircraft which was the express object of the trophy's founder. This view has previously been urged by the delegates of the Royal Aero Club to 18 the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, but has not hitherto found general acceptance.
An understanding has, however, now been arrived at with the Italian Government that they will support the project for a biennial instead of an annual contest in future, and that accordingly, providing the other countries which are possible competitors agree, no contest shall be held in 1928. The United States, French and German authorities have been consulted informally and are understood to be in concurrence.
I may add that in discussing this question with the Italian authorities I made it clear that Great Britain was prepared to compete next year if this was desired by the other countries concerned. Whether the contest is in fact held in 1928 or 1929, it is my intention to take all action necessary to ensure that this country is worthily represented and no effort spared to secure another victory.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the latter part of the answer means that the Air Ministry will give support to the competition, and whether the pilots of the Royal Air Force will be allowed to compete?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt will be premature to go into details, but we do intend to give it support. We shall consider a, question of that kind, and there is ample time for further consideration. In the meantime, we are proceeding at once with the development of machines and engines.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo I understand that pilots of the Royal Air Force will be permitted to compete?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot go into details of that kind, but we shall do everything we can to ensure success. We have already begun the programme of development of engines and machines.