HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1304-5
62. Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he will consider setting up a committee of civil aircraft designers to work on new types of transport machines in order that we may be able to take our place in the future development of international civil aviation?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Ben Smith)

I cannot add to the reply made on 30th September to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) that, while the Government intend to deal with this matter at the appropriate time, the work of aircraft designers must, at the present stage of the war, be devoted wholly to war requirements.

Mr. Granville

In view of the long time it takes to produce a civilian prototype, and in view of the fact that other countries have designs on the drawing board, does the hon. Gentleman not think it time that the Department used men like Sir Roy Fedden to produce civilian prototypes for after the war?

Mr. Smith

Sir Roy Fedden is, of course, occupied in another country on behalf of the Ministry of Aircraft Production at this moment. He is an engine designer, and not an aircraft designer.

Mr. Montague

Is the Department aware of the tremendous strides made by both the United States and Russia in respect of transport planes?

Mr. Smith

My Department is fully seized of the strides made by those two countries; and, while we have at the moment no civil aircraft designers, as such, it is the intention of my Department to look into the matter at an early date.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that our American friends are continuing the development of transport planes, and is it not a fact that they will have a virtual monopoly at the end of the war?

Mr. Smith

My Department is looking into the question of utilising some of the excellent bomber types for our own civilian use.

Mr. Stokes

They are of no use.

Mr. Smith

My Department must be the judge of that.

Mr. Granville

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory answer, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.