HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 cc1959-60
17. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether negotiations for further purchases of American aircraft by the United Kingdom have been discontinued?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir, negotiations are proceeding normally.

Mr. Simmonds

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a growing opinion that if he would take greater advantage of the wood-working industry in this country to produce more wooden aircraft, he could considerably curtail the expenditure of dollars in purchases from American firms?

Sir K. Wood

Considerable advance is being made in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend, but there are other considerations which have to be taken into account in regard to these American purchases.