§ 22. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Air if he can furnish particulars of the forthcoming air display at Hendon?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe display, as in previous years, will be fully representative of the different aspects of the work of the Royal Air Force, and will 393 afford the public an opportunity of witnessing the progress made in both civil and military aeronautics. Particulars of the more important events have appeared in the Press and in numerous advertisements and posters.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes the Under-Secretary think that displays like the bombing of villages, which I understand is part of this display, are suitable for young children to witness?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEMay I ask whether the Air Ministry will consider importing a few real barbarians for this display?
§ Colonel GRETTONCan the Under-Secretary say whether this display will entail any cost on the Exchequer?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo, certainly not.
§ Miss WILKINSONMay I ask, if my question is not out of order, whether I am not entitled to an answer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member's question is more appropriate to the next question on the Paper.
§ 23. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Air if he can give the names of the education authorities and other bodies which have been invited to send children to witness the air display at Hendon; what has been the response; and how many children are likely to attend?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regard the first part of the question, 73 invitations to the Royal Air Force display rehearsal on 1st July have been issued to education committees in the Metropolitan area and the Home Counties. Invitations have also been issued to Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Church Lads' Brigades. I do not think that a list of the committees and bodies to whom the invitations have been sent would serve any useful purpose. As regards the remaining parts of the question, 50 invitations have been accepted up to the present, but I cannot give an estimate of the number of children who are likely to attend.
§ Miss WILKINSONCan I ask now the question that I asked previously, namely, whether the Under-Secretary considers that these displays are suitable for young children to witness?
§ Sir P. SASSOONCertainly.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the hon. Baronet aware that all these children in their schools are taught the Sermon on the Mount? Does he not think that there is some contradiction between the doctrine of the Sermon on the Mount and this particular display at Hendon?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a great deal better for them to witness British pluck in the air than to pay a visit to Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. PONSONBYWill the hon. Baronet state whether the display will include a demonstration of the effects of poison gas?
Viscountess ASTORThe display is not only for military purposes, surely? Is it not true that aviation may become a great commercial asset to this country, and that this display is not of value only for war purposes?