§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fixed policy of all Governments to manufacture munitions of war at home and of the desirability of encouraging the manufacture of English aeroplanes, which alone would be obtainable in time of war, he will reconsider the position before making the final arrangements for the proposed competition?
§ Colonel SEELYThe hon. Member is presumably alluding to the forthcoming competition. The object of the competition is to find out the best pattern for military requirements, and it is therefore intended that the competition for the chief prize shall be open to all manufacturers, whether British or foreign.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWhat I wanted to gat at was whether it is not a fact that aeroplanes to be used in war must of necessity be manufactured in England; therefore will the right hon. Gentleman not confine the competition to the British manufacturer?
§ Colonel SEELYI have already stated in this House that the aeroplanes which we shall require must ultimately, for obvious reasons, be manufactured in this country. But that does not imply that it is wise to limit the competition. We want to find out the best type of machine.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask that, a competition having taken place in France that has satisfied the French Government, it will be very unfair to the industry in this country that it should have to compete against the finished industry in France?
§ Colonel SEELYWe have to find out the best machine. We shall take the 1391 opportunity of encouraging British manufacturers of these engines of war as the occasion arises.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEI give notice that I will move the Adjournment of the House to call attention to the matter.