§ 50. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has decided that no more Air Force machines shall be constructed of wood; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons for this decision?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)Yes, Sir. No more wooden types are being brought into the service. It is considered that metal is a more workable and more economical material than wood. Its qualities can be widely varied and scientifically controlled. It lends itself to mass production, great durability and ease of maintenance; it is available in. quantity, whereas timber of the high grade required has to be specially imported. Aircraft structures in metal are lighter, strength for strength, than wooden ones, are less affected by extremes of climate, and by their resilience and freedom from splintering reduce the risk to personnel if the machine should be involved in a crash.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the Under-Secretary tell me when this decision was arrived at?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt has been gradually arrived at.