HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc20-1
40. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Supply how many Americans have been attached to the Royal Aircraft Establishment for instruction on the Test Pilots' Course; and how many British pilots have received similar instruction in the U.S.A.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)

The Test Pilots' Course is run by the Empire Test Pilots' School which is not part of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, though the School uses the Establishment's airfield. Since the war seven Americans have attended the course. No school giving similarly wide and detailed instruction exists in the U.S.A.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries; and is he aware that the Civil Aeronautical Experimental Station in America would be very pleased to see British pilots there for instruction?

Mr. Strauss

I am informed that there is no comparable school on such a large scale in the United States.

Mr. Erroll

Will the Minister arrange for a transfer of pilots along the lines suggested by the hon. and gallant Member for Macclesfield (Air-Commodore Harvey)?

Mr. Strauss

That is another question which should be put to another Minister.