§ 13. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Air whether arrangements have now been made to alter the colouring of the machines of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, employed almost solely over the water, to a more suitable camouflage, such as is used by the Fleet Air Arm?
Captain BalfourThe camouflage scheme used for flying boats resembles that employed for aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm. With landplanes, the requirements of camouflage when aircraft are on the landing grounds has to be considered and a different system is in use. Camouflage schemes are, however, kept under constant review in the light of operational experience.
§ Mr. ManderIs it not very unsatisfactory that machines that are flying over the sea are not camouflaged in the same way as they are when flying over the land?
Captain BalfourNo, Sir. As I said, these matters are kept under constant review, but unfortunately many of the aircraft which fly over the sea have to spend a great part of their life on land, and therefore their life at sea must take account of their life on land.
§ Mr. ManderPerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will allow me to have a word with him on the subject.