HC Deb 14 November 1945 vol 415 cc2106-9
41. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air in view of the Prime Minister's flight to the U.S. on 9th November, 1945, in an American aircraft, he will give an assurance that in future Ministers of the British Government will fly in British aircraft when travelling to foreign countries.

72. Lieutenant William Shepherd

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when it will be possible to provide the Prime Minister with a British aircraft in which to travel.

Mr. Straehey

When the Royal Air Force is called upon to carry Ministers by air, the Commander-in-Chief, Transport Command, provides the most suitable aircraft available. As the House knows, British production was concentrated during the war on combat types and as a result we have many American aircraft in Transport Command at present. They will be replaced by British aircraft.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that Ministers will fly in British aircraft where-ever possible? Is he aware that British aviation needs a good fillip to keep its prestige where it should be?

Mr. Strachey

We are well aware of the importance of that consideration, and wherever possible, certainly that will be done.

Lieutenant Shepherd

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that there was not one suitable British type available for the use of the Prime Minister on his recent trip?

Mr. Strachey

In the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief, Transport Command, which I am sure is the expert opinion, that is so.

Sir G. Fox

Is it because they were not airworthy?

Mr. Nutting

Which, the Government or the machines?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. We consider that the care and safety of the Prime Minister are a matter of some importance.

Mr. Mikardo

To what extent would this problem and other problems connected with the production of civil aircraft be expedited if there were devoted to them the skill and energy which are now being dissipated in spectacular and useless efforts to beat the world air-speed record?

Mr. Strachey

The efforts were not useless; the record was beaten.

    cc2107-8
  1. Teleprinter Operators 178 words
    2. c2108
  2. Repatriation 90 words
    3. cc2108-9
  3. Dependant's Allowance 129 words