§ 33. Mr. Simmondsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps have now been taken by his Department to secure the construction of British all-metal medium-sized air-liners?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadA satisfactory design has been produced for a 12 to 17 seater machine of 16,000 to 18,000 404 lbs. all-up weight, and it is hoped that the first prototype of this design will be completed this year, and that the machine will be put into production next year provided sufficient orders are received. A draft specification for a 24-seater machine of 24,000 to 26,000 lbs. all-up weight has been prepared and referred for criticism to the operating companies likely to require an aircraft of this size. As soon as their views have been received, steps will be taken to settle the final form of the specification, and to secure designs to meet it.
§ Mr. SimmondsWith regard to the former of the two machines, the smaller one, can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether a contract has been placed for any of these machines by the Air Ministry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe Air Ministry have placed no orders so far.
§ Mr. SimmondsDo they intend to do so, or are they leaving it, against the advice of the Cadman Committee, to private enterprise?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAt the moment it is being undertaken by the firm.