HC Deb 07 June 1934 vol 290 cc1075-6
46. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Gloster Aircraft Company of Brockworth, who are contractors to his Department, are putting their aerodrome and machines at the disposal of a Conservative fete to be held on 30th June next; and whether he will represent to the company the undesirability of Government contractors being associated with the activities of a political party?

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

The facts are, I understand, not quite as stated by the hon. Member, there being, for example, no question of aircraft being placed at the disposal of the meeting. In any case, however, my Noble Friend does not consider it a matter in which he could or should intervene.

Mr. GRENFELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is to be no display of machines and no display of the goods produced by this firm?

Sir P. SASSOON

No display at all. The aerodrome will be more or less shut down on that day. I might add that any other association can have the same privileges.

Mr. GRENFELL

In view of the recent contracts effected by this firm, does the right hon. Gentleman believe that it is desirable to encourage this sort of thing?

Sir P. SASSOON

That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that nothing is said at that gathering that would tend to seduce possible air pilots from their allegiance?

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

May I ask whether there is any reason why this firm should not exhibit their own products if they so wish, provided that they are not the property of the Government or the Air Ministry?

Sir P. SASSOON

I do not know that they propose to do so.