HC Deb 05 July 1928 vol 219 cc1574-6
61. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps were taken to inform British aircraft manufacturers of the aeronautical exhibition now being held in Paris and to encourage and assist them in displaying British aeronautical inventions and products; if he will explain why only one British aeroplane and certain aeroplane engines are on exhibition in view of the admitted excellence of British aeronautical material; and why no British commercial or passenger aeroplane or seaplane is on exhibition?

81. Sir F. HALL

asked the Undersecretary of State for India how many types of British aeroplanes are being exhibited at the Paris air show; how this compares with the number which are being exhibited by German and Italian makers; and what measures were taken by his Department to ensure that the British aeroplane industry was adequately represented?

Sir P. SASSOON

British aircraft manufacturers were fully aware of the exhibition, information having been conveyed to them from the authorities in Paris through the medium of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors. The question whether it is commercially advantageous to send exhibits is one for the aircraft industry to decide, and I am informed that only one type of British aeroplane is in fact being exhibited. I have no information in regard to the German and Italian exhibits. I am not fully conversant with the reasons for which it was decided to send such a small British exhibit, but I understand that it was due in part at least to the high charges involved in transporting machines, material and personnel to the Paris Salon and to the feeling that a similar expenditure in other directions would be more helpful in selling British aeronautical material abroad.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will the hon. Baronet deal with the matter personally, in view of the great importance of our exhibits being shown at these exhibitions, so that the British aircraft industry may become known abroad?

Sir P. SASSOON

Yes.

Sir F. HALL

Arising out of the answer to Question 81, would the hon. Baronet make inquiry to see how the number of German and Italian exhibits compares with our own?

Sir P. SASSOON

That is not a matter for the Air Ministry.

Sir F. HALL

If it is not a question for the Air Ministry, may I ask the hon. Baronet whether, instead of shelving the question, he will take it to the Department which is concerned with it?