§ Mr. MANDERasked the Under Secretary of State for Air what was the total cost involved in British participation in the Schneider trophy contest?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIt is not possible to give a precise answer, since preparations for the Schneider trophy contest were inextricably mixed up with the official programme of development of high speed aircraft and engines. As some indication of the magnitude of the cost, it is estimated that the Air Ministry would have spent at least £100,000 less in the last two years if there had been no question of the Schneider Trophy. The specific additional expenditure on accommodation, hospitality, and the like was in the neighbourhood of £4,000.