Lieutenant-Colonel MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the prospective Atlantic flyers were recently interrogated by the Air Ministry as to their reasons for delay in crossing the Atlantic; and whether he will state the general policy of the Government towards this flight?
§ Major-General SEELYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Far from urging on the attempt the attitude of the Air Ministry has been, and is, to enjoin caution upon those engaged in this enterprise. The officers who are attempting the flight are not under the control of the Air Ministry, but nevertheless every possible information has been furnished to them and every assistance given with regard to navigation and wireless instruments which can make the venture safer. I may be allowed to add that the record of fearless endurance of everyone of the British competitors is such that they can well afford to decide on the practicability of the flight without fear of cavil.