§ 43. Mr. PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether this country will be represented in the international air race around Europe, which is to be held in Warsaw next August?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)A decision in regard to a British entry for this international air race, which is being held under the auspices of the Polish Aero Club, is not, of course, for the Air Ministry. I am given to understand that the Royal Aero Club do not contemplate a British entry, partly on grounds of cost and partly because of certain technical considerations, and that British representation is therefore doubtful.
§ Mr. PERKINSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that British pilots who entered for this race last year were compelled to fly under Italian and German colours and that next year they will be compelled to fly under Polish colours; and does he consider that it is in the best interests of British commercial and private aviation that British pilots should always be compelled to fly under foreign colours?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo. Sir. In this case, however, it is not a matter for the Air Ministry, but for owners of aircraft as private individuals, and I may add that the conditions make it almost impossible to have a British entry.