§ 27. Mr. De Chairasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the decision of His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia to manufacture American aircraft and engines in Australia under licence; and whether English aircraft manufacturing companies were given an opportunity of tendering in this connection?
§ 26. Colonel Burtonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the purchase 926 by the Australian Government of 20 aeroplanes from America; whether this was done after consultation with his Department; and what steps he has taken to ensure the co-ordination and standardisation in the event of the use of these aeroplanes and those produced in Great Britain or elsewhere for the Royal Air Force?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe Commonwealth Government consulted His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom with regard to the projected factory early last year and since that time close contact has been maintained. Negotiations have proceeded on the basis that the types of Service aircraft to be produced in the factory would be of British design, and this is accepted by the Commonwealth Government as a general policy. They have, however, informed His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom that they have found themselves compelled to place an initial order with the factory for 40 training aircraft of American type. An assurance has been given that this is purely a temporary measure which in no way affects the permanent policy mentioned above. Representations were made that an aircraft of British design should be selected from the outset, and the decision of the Commonwealth Government has been received with very great regret.