§ 16. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when he expects engines using oil fuel, to remove the risk of fire, will be available for civil flying?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI am not in a position to forecast how soon heavy fuel engines will be available for civil flying, but, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the aircraft industry is giving close attention to the question of their satisfactory development. I may add that one type of heavy fuel engine has been developed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and has passed the airworthiness test, but in its present form it is not suitable for standard use.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs the supreme importance of this type of engine, as a, matter of high economy for very long flights, and for use in large flying-boats, properly appreciated, as its,slow delvelopment seems to imply that it is not?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, it is quite appreciated, but, as the hon. Member knows, the difficulty is one of weight.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Minister sure that full advantage is being taken of the knowledge gained as a result of the investigations which have been going on with these engines?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, Sir.