§ 57. Mr. PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of aeroplanes fitted with Gipsy I engines owned by his Department?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The answer is 87.
§ 58. Mr. PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the reason for a sale by his Department of 20 new Gipsy I engines at Ruislip; why these engines were bought, in view of the fact that they were not required; the total initial cost per engine; and the total loss to the tapayer incurred by his Department?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo sale has yet taken place. What has happened is that consideration has been given to the question whether, as a measure of economy, a reduction might not be effected in the number of engines of this type held in reserve. Tenders have therefore been invited to see whether a reasonable price would be forthcoming if sonic 20 of these engines were put up for sale. It would be quite contrary to established practice to make public the purchase price, or the proceeds of sale, if a sale does in fact take place.
§ Mr. PERKINSIn the event of these engines being sold, will not the loss be something in the neighbourhood of £3,000, and can the right hon. Gentleman give 515 an assurance that in future his Department will not gamble in aeroplane engines?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is not a question of gambling; it is a question of reducing our stock, which is a matter of economy.
§ Mr. PERKINSWhy were these engines bought in view of the fact that they were never used?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIn the last three years experience has shown that we can have a smaller stock in reserve. These engines have not been sold, and, if we do not get a good price, we shall keep them.
§ Mr. PERKINSCan they be used, or is it not a fact that certain modifications are necessary before they can be used?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI cannot answer that question.