§ 48. Mr. MATTERSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can arrange for one of the Schneider Cup seaplanes to be sent to Buenos Aires for demonstration flights in conection with the British Empire Manufactures Exhibition to be held in the Argentine capital next year?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)I stated in my reply to the question asked by the right hon. Baronet the Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare) on 2nd April, that it might be found possible to lend these seaplanes on the terms then stated for the purpose of taking part in the Schneider Trophy contest in 1931, and the Royal Aero Club have now been informed that they are available for that purpose. Until it is known whether they are wanted, it is not possible to make any arrangements for their being exhibited as suggested by hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MATTERSWill the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that, as I understand it, an aircraft carrier is to be sent out there and that these proposed demonstration flights will give a considerable impetus to the sale of British aircraft in South America?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI quite agree that that would be the effect, but, of course, it is a matter for the Admiralty.
§ Captain CAZALETIs it not a fact that this country never has sent an aeroplane of any kind to the Argentine while almost every other European country has done spectacular flights there?