21. Captain GUESTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement as to the technical equipment of the Royal Air Force, particularly in respect of aircraft and engine performance, in comparison with other countries; and whether he can give the House an assurance that every effort is being made to ensure that the Royal Air Force continues to be equipped with aircraft and engines of the highest performance attainable?
§ Sir P. SASSOONMy Noble Friend can certainly give the assurance desired, and the best practical proof that the performance of British military aircraft and engines has not fallen behind that of foreign products is afforded by the continuing demand for them abroad. The articles to which I presume my right hon. and gallant Friend refers make the mistake of comparing things which are not comparable, and consequently give a wholly misleading picture. One example will suffice: a French specification for future types is quoted as against the performance of aircraft which are actually in general service to-day. It is impossible to deal adequately with so highly technical a subject within the limits of a Parliamentary reply, but the House may rest assured that, if a general comparison between the standard and experimental types of this country and those of Continental countries is made, it will be found that we retain a substantial advantage in performance. As recently announced in the normal course, the Royal Air Force has an experimental aircraft actually flying to-day which decisively outclasses the performances claimed for the fastest fighter or bomber mentioned by the writer of the articles. 829 I am sure the House would not wish me to go further and disclose confidential data, the premature release of which could only be contrary to the public interest.
Captain GUESTMay I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether there is any Parliamentary means of checking the publication of mischievous, misleading and unpatriotic articles?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNot that I am aware of.