§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is taking to preserve the Battle of Britain Flight Supermarine P.R. XIX Spitfire that has currently been put up for auction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesNone. The Spitfire Mk XIX which was sold at auction on 26 November was on of five airworthy Spitfires operated by the Battle of Britain memorial flight, including two other Mk XIX variants. The four remaining airworthy Spitfires are adequate to ensure representation of the aircraft in future BBMF activities. Proceeds from the sale of the Spitfire will meet most of the costs of restoring the flight's Hurricane.