HC Deb 26 June 1924 vol 175 cc610-1W
Viscount CURZON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the maximum speed and date of design and construction of the aeroplanes belonging to the Royal Air Force which will be seen at the air pageant at Hendon; and what is the speed and date of construction and design of the aeroplanes belonging to the French air squadron which is to be present on the same occasion?

Mr. LEACH

It is undesirable to enter upon comparisons between the relative performances, designs and other similar particulars of British and foreign service aircraft.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether at the aerial pageant on Saturday opportunity will be afforded to test the respective merits of British and French planes in any form of international competition?

Mr. LEACH

No, Sir in extending the invitation to our French visitors to take part in the pageant there was never any intention of engaging them in any form of international competition.

Viscount CURZON

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements are being made to secure easy access to and from Hendon by vehicular traffic on the occasion of the aerial pageant; whether he is aware of the great difficulties experienced in other years owing to the large volume of traffic; who is to be responsible for the parking of spectators' cars; and whether steps can be taken to so park the vehicles that it will be possible for those who wish to do so to see the pageant from the vehicles themselves?

Mr. HENDERSON

The traffic arrangements for the aerial pageant have been issued and circulated as widely as possible, but they are of too great length to compress into an oral reply. I will send the Noble Lord a copy. It is known that difficulty was experienced a few years ago, but no exceptional difficulty has been brought to notice during the past two years. It must be remembered there are virtually only two approach roads, one of which is narrow and somewhat steep. The police will, by arrangement with the Royal Air Force, park the cars within the enclosures; and it is proposed to park the cars this year in herring-bone formation, with the fronts towards the flying ground.