§ 56. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any information was made public about the return of Lieutenants Carr and Gillman, of the Royal Air Force, to London after their flight of 3,425 miles; what steps were taken to see that the public generally had an opportunity of welcoming them on their return if the people so desired; and whether, in the event of another successful flight, especially if India is reached in one flight by officers of the Royal Air Force, an opportunity will be given to the public to welcome the officers on their return to this country?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but I may add that steps were taken to convey to the officers immediately on their arrival in London my congratulations on a flight that, though it did not succeed in establishing a record, can certainly be numbered among the great achievements of British aviation. If a 1485 successful flight is made in the future, as I hope will be the case, I shall certainly consider how best, to reconcile the desire of the Service to treat these and similar flights as undertaken in the course of duty with the desire of the public to show their appreciation of a fine achievement.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn the event of a flight to India being successful, surely the right hon. Gentleman will not hesitate to allow the public to make some demonstration of congratulations to these people?
§ Sir S. HOAREI certainly cannot, even if I so wished, prevent the public making any demonstration they desire to make. One has at the same time to consider the point of view of the Service, the officers of which regard these flights as duty flights, undertaken in the course of their duty, and the feeling among officers of the Air Force is against publicity. It is my duty to attempt to reconcile this very legitimate desire on the part of the officers in the Air Force with the equally legitimate desire on the part of the public to show their appreciation of a fine achievement.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI can quite appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's view, but has he considered this side of the question, namely, that it is of great assistance to British prestige that the world should know that these great flights have been made?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have certainly considered that side of the question, and I have told the hon. and gallant Member that I am anxious to reconcile the legitimate desires both of the Air Force and of the public.
§ Captain GUNSTONWill my right hon. Friend say if there is another attempt likely to be made before the Autumn?
§ Sir S. HOAREWe are at present considering that question. So far as I can see, it will not be possible to make another attempt before the early Autumn, owing to the monsoon having broken in the north of India. I think, on the whole, it is better to await a time when no unnecessary risks will be incurred.