HC Deb 27 April 1936 vol 311 cc554-5
48. Captain BALFOUR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of first-line land and marine aircraft delivered to the Royal Air Force during the first three months of 1936; and how this total compares with the number expected according to promised delivery dates by contractors given last year to the Air Ministry for this period?

Sir P. SASSOON

I am advised that it would not be in the public interest to give this information.

Captain BALFOUR

Are the Air Ministry satisfied with the present delivery of aircraft for the first period of the expansion programme?

Sir P. SASSOON

Having regard to the obvious difficulties which have been encountered in the rapid expansion of the Air Force at very short notice and on such a very large scale, the situation can be regarded as generally satisfactory.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what public interest would be imperilled by information on this subject?