HC Deb 28 July 1933 vol 280 c2959
25. Mr. MANDER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, if he will state what arrangements are made for Members of the House generally to be brought into contact with technical progress in the Royal Air Force to visit and participate in flights in new types of machines?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

My Noble Friend, while welcoming the interest taken by the hon. Member and other Members of the House in the technical progress of the Royal Air Force, regrets that training and other Service exigencies preclude the making of any general arrangements for flights in new types of aircraft. In special cases, however, he will always be glad to meet the wishes of hon. Members as far as possible, if he is given due notice.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that the facilities are equally open to Members in all parts of the House?

Sir P. SASSOON

Yes.

Lieut.-Colonel J. SANDEMAN ALLEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements for a parachute descent to be made by the Liberal party?

Mr. MABANE

Was it not a fact that some of us made a very interesting flight the other day, in which Members of all parties took part?

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether these private joy-rides at public expense are in the best traditions of Gladstonian finance?