§ 31. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production how many Viking aircraft and how many Tudors have now been ordered by or for the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and when he expects that delivery of them will have been completed.
§ Mr. WilmotIt is contrary to established practice to give particulars of orders placed by the Government with individual firms. I am, however, able to state that a total output of 85 Vikings and 83 Tudors is expected by the end of 1946. The majority of these aircraft are for delivery against orders placed by the Ministry of Aircraft Production; some are being produced for private sale.
§ Mr. DribergIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the total output will be adequate, in view of the tremendous potentialities?
§ Mr. WilmotNo, Sir, I hope we shall be able to build up the output, as labour becomes available.
§ Mr. BowlesMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's Department and/or the Ministry of Civil Aviation, or even the operators themselves, give these orders to these firms now?
§ Mr. WilmotOrders are placed by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and, in addition, some orders are accepted for private sale and export.