§ 21. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent engines using oil fuel on the score of increased safety from fire have been adopted for aircraft in foreign countries; and will he endeavour to secure similar progress in this country?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is understood that heavy oil aero-engines are fitted in three German aircraft in regular operation, but, so far as I am aware, the development of this type of engine has elsewhere not passed beyond the experimental stage. As I informed my hon. Friend in December, developments are being actively pursued in this country.
§ Mr. CHORLTONAs my hon. Friend knows the importance of safety, will he not accelerate the progress of the development of this type of engine, in view of the terrible catastrophes that have taken place?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWe are doing so. Nobody knows better than my hon. Friend the difficulties that we have to overcome.