HC Deb 06 November 1940 vol 365 cc1317-8
12. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for Air where Prince von Starhemberg is serving at present; and what hours of flying service he had in France before seeking refuge in this country?

Captain Balfour

On grounds of security, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the location of any particular unit of the Allied Forces or the technical qualifications and experience of personnel serving therein at home or overseas. In view, however, of the interest which has been displayed in this particular case I would tell the House that the Free French Headquarters have informed my Department that this officer is now under orders for posting to a Free French overseas unit at an early date.

Mr. Wedgwood

Are we to understand from that answer that he is no longer at the bar of the Ritz?

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Is it consonant with the spirit of tolerance and fair play for the right hon. Gentleman to put questions like this?

15. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the danger to this country arising from the fact that Prince von Starhemberg was a member of the Oberland Association, and is dependent financially upon his mother who is still in Austria, he will reconsider the pay and allowances made to him?

Captain Balfour

The pay and allowances of the officer referred to are those appropriate to his rank in the Free French Air Force, and I am not in a position to adopt the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. Wedgwood

Is there not just the risk that if he gets up in an aeroplane, he will be taken over by Mussolini?