30. Commander Bowerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the Fleet Air Arm have often to use old, slow, though sound aircraft; and, as every effort should be made to see that they are supplied with the most modern machines and equipment, what steps he has taken to supply such equipment?
Mr. AlexanderI am aware that my hon. Friend's Question is prompted by certain remarks of mine in a speech on 13th January which were published in some cases shorn of their, context. In fact they came at the end of a sincere tribute which I was privileged to pay to the Fleet Air Arm. This led me to make the comment that some of the naval aircraft in use were of old types, and to make a general appeal for the utmost effort to replace these older aircraft by more modem types.
In order that the House may appreciate the full position, I should explain that the Fleet Air Arm as a whole is now much 884 better equipped than it was two years ago. This is particularly true of its Fighter aircraft which now include three up-to-date types, the "Hurricane," the "Seafire" and the American "Martlet." The numbers of these modern naval fighters are steadily increasing and will continue to do so.
It is in the torpedo-bomber category that the shortage of modern aircraft has been most felt. As I told the House some time ago, the development and production of a torpedo-bomber of modern design has been in hand for a long time. The disappointments which we have suffered with regard to this aircraft have been largely due to two causes. First the temporary postponement of work on it during 1940, at the period of the Battle of Britain, and secondly the development of unforeseeable technical difficulties, during a later period. However, owing to the co-operation of the Ministry of Aircraft Production, which has been and is being given in full measure, these difficulties have been dealt with, and regular delivery of production models of the aircraft has started. The Navy is also about to receive modern torpedo-bombers ordered scone time ago from America, of a type which has proved successful in operations in the Pacific. We also expect to get delivery shortly of a number of American dive-bombers.
I should add that there remain certain important tasks for which the "Sword-fish" bomber will still be valuable.
Commander BowerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the grave public concern that after two and a half years in his present appointment he has to appeal to the nation to do the task for which under the terms of his patent he is solely responsible to Crown and Parliament?
Mr. AlexanderThe position with regard to these torpedo-bombers is one of a much longer history than that of the last two and a half years. I have explained two main causes why there has been delay. The most considerable delay has been in the later period, owing-to the development of unforeseen technical difficulties, which have caused a great deal of trouble and taken a great deal of clearing up. I have given the House the assurance that with the help of the Ministry of Aircraft Production that has been dealt with and that a regular delivery has started.
§ Mr. PurbrickHear, hear.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is no hold-up of vital material for the torpedo-bomber and that the Admiralty has a proper priority in regard to the supply of those materials from the Ministry of Aircraft Production?
Mr. AlexanderI have no reason to be dissatisfied with the present arrangement for the priorities we need.
§ Sir A. SouthbyWill my right hon. Friend take steps to insist that the Ministry of Aircraft Production provides the Fleet Air Arm with the proper planes to enable it to do its work; and in view of the appeal he made to the public, will he realise that the responsibility rests upon him and his fellow members of the Board and not with the British people?
Mr. AlexanderI think that the Board of Admiralty, when the story comes to be told, can say that they have done their very best to secure the improvements required in the Fleet Air Arm. The House must remember that the whole situation has been affected by the general claims and demands of all the war requirements and of the other Services. That must be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. AmmonDoes my right hon. Friend see that his former speeches in the country and the answer he has given indicate the necessity for a broader discussion in this House to settle the unrest that has been caused?