HC Deb 17 July 1957 vol 573 c1131
35. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement on the acceptance of the official invitation and visit of representatives of the Royal Air Force to the Soviet air display.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

The Russian invitation was received and accepted on 28th May, and we subsequently informed the Russian Embassy that the party, which was to be made up of seven officers, would be headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff. They were to fly to Moscow in a Comet II of Transport Command. On 21st June, the Russian Embassy informed us that the display had been cancelled because of unfavourable weather forecasts, and that the invitation extended to the Royal Air Force must regretfully be withdrawn.

Mr. Lewis

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to a statement alleged to have been made by the Soviet Government that the British Government accepted this invitation and then, at the last minute, failed to send these observers? Will he either confirm or deny that the British Government did not refuse to send them?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am afraid I have not seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers, but the facts are exactly as set out in my original reply.