HC Deb 22 June 1938 vol 337 c1062
44. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to fit the long-distance Empire machines with heavy-oil engines by reason of the economy in fuel and safety from fire.

Captain Balfour

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend on 28th May, research is in train and encouraging progress is being made in the development of the heavy-oil compression ignition engine, but the results so far attained show a marked disparity in performance as compared with petrol engines. While there is at present no machine on the Empire route of sufficient range to show economy due to fuel when fitted with compression ignition engines the Air Ministry are exploring, with Imperial Airways, the feasibility of fitting engines of this type to one of their aircraft for experimental purposes.

Mr. Chorlton

How many engines of this kind have the Germans in commercial service?

Captain Balfour

I cannot say.

Mr. Perkins

Will my hon. Friend inquire from the Germans what engines they use in their trans-Atlantic boats?

Captain Balfour

If the hon. Member will put down a question on the subject, I will endeavour to obtain the information.