70. Mr. SANDEMANasked the Secretary of State for Air if the Curtiss engine purchased by the Air Ministry has now passed the 100-hour type test; and, if not, how many trials have been made and how many times the engine has failed?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; and, in regard to the second part, I do not think it is expedient that I should say more than that the test is still in progress.
71. Mr. SANDEMANalso asked what proportion of the sum of £1,537,000, during 1925, was spent on the purchase of new engines; and what proportion of the sum of £1,031,000, allocated for 1926, is likewise to be spent on new engines?
§ Sir S. HOARESo far as I am aware, foreign Powers do not ordinarily publish information as to their expenditure on new engines from year to year, and in these circumstances I should prefer not to depart from the previous practice of my Department and give these particulars in respect of the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHMay I ask whether the money to be spent on new engines will be spent in this country, or will these engines be ordered from America?
§ Sir S. HOAREAll the money to be spent on new engines during the next financial year will be paid to British firms.