§ 39. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if a bill for expenses was presented to the officer commanding the "Do X" at the end of its recent visit to this country, and will he give the House the details of the claim; and whether there is any international agreement about these similar matters?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)As regards the first and second parts of the question, no bill for expenses was or will be preferred by the Air Minister against the officer commanding the "Do X" as a result of the visit of that aircraft to this country. As regards the last part, there is no specific international agreement. governing arrangements for visits such as that of the "Do X," but all customary courtesies were shown and received.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWill the hon. Gentleman take any steps he can to counteract the report in Germany that excessive charges were made for the visit of this air liner?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI do not know about any report in Germany, but, as far as the German Government are concerned, we have had expressions of extreme courtesy.
§ Captain HAROLD BALFOURDoes the payment in respect of the use by civilians and other people of Royal Air 2213 Force transport, from the shore to civilian air liners, come out of public funds?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIt does, but the amount is comparatively small, and there is this to be said in regard to it, that our own technical experts and officers had the fullest opportunities of examining "Do X."