§ 86. Mr. BILLINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Royal Aircraft Factory have placed orders for 2,500 engines of their own design; whether, since first placing the orders, over 500 alterations in the drawings have been 901 issued to the manufacturers; whether this design is based upon the successful Renault engine; whether the alterations or alleged improvements have resulted in a wholly inefficient engine; whether the order for 2,500 of these engines was placed before the engine had been proved efficient; whether this large order has deprived other constructors of necessary material; whether, owing to unskilful design, the engine is peculiarly liable to catch fire in the air and so to jeopardise the life of the pilot: whether the Aircraft Inspection Department of the Royal Flying Corps have protested against the employment of this engine; and, if not, whether he will call for a Report on the subject and, if that Report confirms the allegations in this question, will the War Office give orders to stop the construction?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe Royal Aircraft Factory does not place orders for engines. There are three different types of engines which have been designed at the Royal Aircraft Factory, and orders for these have been placed by the Directorate of Military Aeronautics. One of these resembles the Renault engine. During the development of these engines many alterations were made in drawings and specifications. Material available for engines must of course be shared between different constructors. The remaining allegations in the question are devoid of foundation.