§ 36. Rear-Admiral Sir MURRAY SUETERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give the number of German aircraft being used for operating South African airways; whether there is any reason why Junkers machines are used in preference to British machines in South Africa for civil aviation; whether he is aware that the German Junkers machines used for civil aviation in South Africa are fitted with American engines; if he can say why American engines are preferred to British engines; and whether he will consult the President of the Board of Trade to ascertain whether some arrangement can be made with the Union Government of South Africa that, in return for taking the present South African exports into this country, a preference should be given to use British aircraft fitted with British engines instead of German aircraft fitted with American engines and so assist employment in our aircraft industry?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)My right hon. Friend is making inquiries as to the matters dealt with in the first part of the question, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as he is in a position to do so. As regards the latter part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not think that any useful purpose would be served by adopting the suggestion, but I may observe that it has been stated more than once, on behalf of the Union Government, that it is hoped to induce some British manufacturer to take up the building of airplane engines in South Africa.
§ Lord APSLEYIs it not the case that the same considerations apply to New Guinea; and that there is no aircraft constructed by any British firm which is capable of being loaded with heavy freight, such as motor cars and boilers, from the top by means of cranes?
§ Mr. M. MacDONALDI should not like to answer that question without notice.