§ 32. Mr. HORRABINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what entries, if any, have been received for next year's Schneider trophy air race; and whether his Department will give consideration to the advisability of abolishing the conditions attached to the loan of the Super-marine S.6 and Gloucester-Napier seaplanes?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)As regards the first part of the question, I understand that only one entry, from Italy, has been received by the Royal Aero Club, the body responsible for dealing with entries for the Schneider Trophy Contest, and that for reasons which it has already announced in the Press the Royal Aero Club has been unable to accept the entry as complying with the prescribed conditions. As regards the second part of the question, no application for the loan of aircraft has yet been received by the Air Ministry, and my Noble Friend is not prepared to consider whether it would be possible to vary in any respect the conditions already announced until some definite proposals are before him.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHACan the hon. Member say whether the race will now take place?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIt really is not a question that affects the Ministry. It rests with the Royal Aero Club.
§ Mr. HARDIEDoes my hon. Friend think there is any value at all in this race?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI certainly think so, and I think the value has been proved in the past.