§ 29. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air the names of the various types of all-metal machines that will be used in the Air Service by the end of 928, giving the original cost of each machine?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)The following six types of all-metal aircraft will definitely be available by the end of this year: Siskin, Fairey III.F, Wapiti, Atlas, Side-strand and Virginia. In addition, four other types may possibly be available, but the details have not yet been settled. It would be contrary to established Government practice to give the contract prices of equipment purchased for the Government service.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is going to replace all our present machines with all-metal machines later?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe general policy of the Department is to push on with the 224 development of all-metal machines. I do not know that I can give a general answer to the hon. Member's question going beyond that statement.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWould it be possible to push on a little faster in view of the fact that a very large proportion of the machines in our air squadrons are of the same type as were in use at the end of the War?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. We are substantially in advance of any other country in the matter of all-metal machines.
§ Captain GUNSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether machines are being fitted with the slotted wing device?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer, generally speaking, is Yes. There may possibly be exceptions, but, generally speaking, the answer is Yes.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman say in what respect I am under a misapprehension in view of the fact that a very large proportion—I believe half, certainly more than a quarter—of the squadrons are equipped with Bristol Fighters, a type which many competent air designers consider to be obsolete?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am afraid the hon. and gallant Member is under another misapprehension. The question deals with all-metal machines, and in the matter of all-metal machines we are substantially ahead of any other country.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESMay I have an answer with regard to this point I would like to get this point settled.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member had better put a question on the Paper.