HC Deb 02 June 1965 vol 713 cc212-3W
56. Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the reputation in aerobatics of the Royal Air Force, why the participation by the Red Arrow aerobatic team in the forthcoming Paris Air Show has been limited to seven planes when other countries' demonstrating teams include nine planes; and if, in view of the potential of the larger formation and the prestige accruing to British aircraft, he will reconsider this decision, in order that British airmen may perform on terms of parity with those of other nations.

Mr. Millan

The impact of the Red Arrows' display does not depend on numbers but on the precision and originality of the flying, which has already earned high praise at home and abroad. Their performance at Paris will be co-ordinated with a formation of nine Lightnings from Fighter Command. Two other countries will also be flying seven aircraft formations at Le Bourget.