§ 66. Mr. RAPERasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it is a fact that all German manufacturers of commercial aeroplanes are 255 compelled to manufacture every type of aeroplane to a specification which will enable the machines to be both quickly and satisfactorily transformed into war machines; and why this most important regulation is not applied to the manufacture of all British commercial aeroplanes?
§ Major TRYONI regret that I have no definite information on the point raised in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. In regard to the second part, I would point out that the majority of machines at present in use for civil aviation in this country are war types adapted, and that it is undesirable to restrict the freedom of designers in the development of civil type machines.
§ Sir R. COOPERDoes not the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the matter sufficiently serious to obtain accurate information as to what the Germans are doing?
§ Major TRYONWe have not the information asked for. I shall be happy to receive any information the hon. Gentleman has.