HC Deb 04 February 1942 vol 377 cc1157-8
5. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether this country has produced any substantial number of dive-bombing aeroplanes and has them in operation; and whether they equal in performance the Junkers 88 and Stukas?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

Specialised dive bombers are being produced for the Royal Air Force in America. There is good reason to suppose that their performance will be satisfactory, but every new type must be tested in action before comparisons with other types can be safely made.

Mr. Purbrick

Am I to understand we are not producing any dive-bombing machines for use either by sea or land?

Sir A. Sinclair

As to the sea, any question about the Fleet Air Arm should be addressed to the Admiralty. Dive bombers for the R.A.F. are now being produced in America.

Mr. Purbrick

Have we none of them in operation then?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, I think it was clear from my previous answer that they are not yet in Royal Air Force squadrons.