§ 38. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether special care has been taken, and instructions issued, so that the recent announcement that the flight through Africa of the Royal Air Force long-range monoplane will start on Friday next, the 19th instant, shall in no way prejudice the discretion of the pilots as to the time and date of their departure?
§ Sir P. SASSOONMy hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. The 19th instant has not been officially announced as the definite date of departure for this flight. The intention is to make the attempt on that date or at the first suitable opportunity, but the actual date and time of departure will be decided on the spot at Cranwell in the light of all relevant considerations.