§ 18. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for Air particulars of what decision has been arrived at relative to the introduction of suitable catapulting arrangements for the development of British trans-ocean air services?
Captain BalfourIt is not intended to use catapulting for civil trans-ocean air services, but catapult experimental work is proceeding as part of the research and development programme of my Department.
§ Mr. DayAs a similar answer was given over a year ago may I ask how long it takes for a decision to be arrived at?
Captain BalfourExperimental work is going on all the time, and he would be a very foolish person who would say that we shall ever reach finality in research.
§ Mr. DayIs it not a fact that many Continental air services have already established this small type of catapult in their aerodromes?
Captain BalfourNo, Sir. The Germans are using a catapult for a much smaller type of aeroplane than we propose to use, for their South Atlantic Service. The arrangement depends on circumstances.