§ 50. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister to make a statement about the British Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
§ The Prime MinisterA company has been set up in the United Kingdom, under the Chairmanship of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Slessor, to undertake the organisation of a Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Her Majesty The Queen has graciously consented to become Patron.
As was announced in the House on 17th February, Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are making a grant of £100,000 towards the cost. Assistance is being provided in other ways by the Government; in particular the Air Ministry will provide air support for the Expedition.
Her Majesty's Governments of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are all contributing to the funds of the Expedition and men from all three countries as well as from the United Kingdom will take part. The New Zealand Government, who are making a generous grant of £50,000, are also arranging for support to be given by the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Expedition is, therefore, an outstanding example of Commonwealth co-operation in a joint effort.