LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Barnby, I beg to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in connection with the London to Christchurch air race, timed for October, 1953, they are contemplating any special action to ensure real success of the race for Commonwealth prestige as a whole and with particular regard to the advantages of the Christchurch (South Island) Airport.]
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AIR (LORD DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEY)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have given the New Zealand authorities an assurance of their full support in this race. An Air Race Council has been 816 formed in New Zealand which includes all parties and interests. They are represented in this country by the Royal Aero Club, which is in close touch with all Government Departments concerned over the route, intermediate airfields and other features of the complex organisation involved. The Air Council have decided that an entry shall be made by the Royal Air Force, and I hope to make a statement shortly about the types of aircraft to be included. It is hoped that the British aircraft manufacturers and operators, as well as other countries, will also respond to this fine conception and will enter appropriate aircraft. The use of Christchurch Airport for the finish of the race will undoubtedly do much to demonstrate its advantages.
LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his comprehensive answer, which I am sure will be most encouraging to the New Zealand authorities organising this race. I hope that some of our most famous aircraft, including possibly the Comet, may take part.