Airship R100 (Atlantic Voyage)

41.

Mr. MILLS
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that no written appreciation or certificate of any kind has been issued to the officers and crew of R100 who successfully carried out the voyage across the Atlantic; and if he will consider issuing a fascimile of the oral message of thanks delivered by the late Secretary of State for Air?

Mr. WILLIAM WHITELEY
I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to him by the Under-Secretary of State for Air on I1th November, to which I have nothing to add, except that the message of thanks delivered by the late Secretary of State for Air to the officers and crew of R100 on their return from Canada last August was reproduced in the. Press at the time.

Mr. MILLS
Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that many precedents exist for giving some appreciation of this unique feat; and, further, is he aware that the very meagre appreciation referred to was not a written message, but merely an oral message delivered by the Secretary of State for Air and that, if it were put on paper, the men could carry it with them into civil life?

Mr. WHITELEY
I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to my right hon. Friend, but I would point out to him that this crossing was not unique. There had been other crossings prior to this by other kinds of aircraft.