§ The progress of equipment for 1924–25, due to the expansion scheme, is, of course, to be accelerated. Our orders to the aircraft industry this year will total £4,500,000. They will be placed so as to ensure continuity of employment so far as we can possibly do that. Three new types of machines for naval co-operation are to be used, and other new types for Army co-operation are rapidly being developed. One new type of air-cooled engine has been tried this year, and another new type is to be introduced in the coming year. One new type of water-cooled engine, and also of greater horsepower, is also being tried out.
§ The trade will be interested to know that we are experimenting with metal construction on a very large scale. We are following a policy of ordering one metal aircraft to every experimental order given. The increased cost of aircraft building due to increase of size, complexity in their design, and the heavy increase of engine power necessitates research in the direction of new forms of structure. Metal lasts longer than wood, and therefore deterioration should be far less. It is rather too early to say yet, definitely, our opinion on this new form of structure, but we have rather confident hopes about it.
§ In research work, which is so important a sphere of our work, the reorganisation promoted by my predecessor will come into operation this year. It will require larger expenditure, both direct and indirect, but it will spell economy in putting new machines more quickly into service. Realising, therefore, the value of this Department and its activities, we are requesting an increased amount this year.