§ 47. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that in September, 1929, he pledged the British nation to a continuation in the test for the Schneider trophy, by assuring Italy that Great Britain would do her level best to win again, he will state the nature of the principle which now prevents the Government from officially supporting the contest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe construction which the hon. Member seeks to place on my informal remarks on the evening of the contest in 1929 is quite unwarrantable. I was giving expression to the hope, which we all shared, that a British entry would be forthcoming for the next contest and, to enable such an entry to be organised, the clearest possible intimation was given in the following month that the Government would not again be prepared to enter an official team.
Neither of the two organisations primarily interested, namely the Royal Aero Club and the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, made any representations to the Air Ministry until, more than a year later, the Royal Aero Club definitely stated they were unable to raise the funds or undertake the organisation necessary to defend the trophy. On this basis the Government again considered the matter, and decided that their previous policy must be maintained. This was communicated to the Royal Aero Club on the 15th of this month, and it was only on the 20th, nearly 15 months after the original announcement, that for the first time an offer was forthcoming to try to raise the necessary funds. Even then there was no guarantee that the necessary funds would be raised. In all the circumstances the Government could not regard this as justifying a reversal of their previous decisions.
As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) and the right hon. Member for Hythe (Sir P. Sassoon) on the 21st January and to the clear statement which appeared in the Press on the 16th instant in pursuance of previous public announcements of Government policy in this matter.
§ Mr. SMITHERSDoes the Prime Minister deny using the words mentioned, and will he be so good as to answer the last part of the question and state what is the nature of the principle which now prevents the Government from giving sanction to the contest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe last part of the question I have answered. As to the first part, I repudiate the interpretation put upon my statement. A warn- 607 ing was given immediately after that statement was made, so as to draw the attention of those interested to the fact that what I said was that I hoped the nation, not the Government, would enter the contest.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know whether I can anticipate the questions that will be put on this matter. I wish that the deputation had been sent six months ago, when there was a chance of doing something. Personally, I am keenly interested in this contest. We waited for 15 months and nothing was done, and now at the last minute, when no preparations have been made, I am asked to receive a deputation. I would be only too glad to receive a deputation if any good could be done by receiving it.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIf it were made plain to the Prime Minister that it was the wish of this House that the Government should support this competition, would the Government reconsider their decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do hope that before hon. Members talk in that way they will consider the situation in which they now find themselves. I will leave it there. Personally, I am as keen about this contest as any man living. I do not think the Government are to blame if there is no British team entered for the contest.