HC Deb 13 July 1960 vol 626 c1372
10. Mr. Rankin

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what further consideration he is giving to providing Fleet Air Arm display at Farnborough next year.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I explained on 22nd June to my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Sir A. V. Harvey) the operational reasons which had to take priority over our participation at Farnborough. In the uncertain state of the world today it would be rash to give a firm undertaking, but I can confirm that we are keen to take part next year.

Mr. Rankin

I have studied the hon. Gentleman's Answer to the hon. Member for Macclesfield. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the Fleet Air Arm does intend to take part in this display next year, to do so requires many months of preparation, which means that he must make some decision very soon? Will it be a favourable one, because this is the only occasion when thousands of people get a little glimpse of what they pay so much for?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

There are other opportunities of seeing the Royal Navy, and many hon. Members have an opportunity of seeing its Shop Window. I reiterate that we are keen to take part and hope that it will be possible. There are still fifteen months before Farnborough, 1961.