§ 47. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air if the British seaplanes intended to take part in the Schneider Cup race are to be loaned by his Department; if they are the high-speed Supermarine-Napier, Gloster-Napier, or Short machines; when these aircraft will be completed; and what steps he will take, having regard to the short time available, to ensure that Great Britain is represented in the competition, if in their trials neither of the three seaplanes now being built attain a speed which would justify their competing in the Schneider Cup race?
§ Sir S. HOAREEntries for the Schneider Cup race are made by the Royal Aero Club and the Air Ministry has not hitherto accepted responsibility for ensuring the representation of this country in the competition. The question is, however, under consideration of making available for the race certain highspeed aircraft ordered by the Air Ministry of the types mentioned in the question; they are all due for completion well before the date fixed for the race.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not lend aeroplanes to the Aero Club for this race?
§ Sir S. HOARENot necessarily. We consider the cases on their merits each year.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThese are being lent from the Air Ministry this year?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read the answer he will see that that is the question which we are considering now.