HC Deb 04 May 1938 vol 335 cc875-6
63. Sir Walter Smiles

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can give an approximate date when the first aeroplanes will be available from factories in this country which use mass-production methods?

Earl Winterton

Considerable deliveries have already been made of aeroplanes in the construction of which methods appropriate to large scale production have been applied so far as is practicable and consistent with the high standards imposed by considerations of efficiency and of the safety of flying personnel.

Sir W. Smiles

Are the mass-production methods in this country as efficient as those in Germany and the United States of America?

Earl Winterton

There is no mass production of aeroplanes in either country. I will deal more fully with this matter on the course of the speech which I shall make next week, as it would take too long to do so in answer to a question.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Noble Lord aware of the fact that mass production along those lines has been going on in this country for the last 20 years in a most efficient manner?

Earl Winterton

Yes, but the resemblance between that and the aircraft industry is not very close.