§ 59. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Supply how many sales have taken place of British aircraft to foreign operators in the latest convenient period; what were the types; and what was the price.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. John Freeman)I assume the Question to refer to sales of civil aircraft. During the year ended 31st December, 1948, the following types of British civil aircraft have been delivered to overseas operators; Anson, Bristol Freighters, Consuls, Doves, Rapides, Vikings, converted Halifaxes, Sunderlands and Stirlings. The total value of aircraft sales, military and civil to overseas purchasers in this period was nearly £13½ million. I am not in a position to break this figure down as between civil and military types or to divulge the prices of individual contracts.
§ Sir W. WakefieldCould the Minister say what were the types of military aircraft sent overseas as the Question does not ask just for civil but for British types?
§ Mr. FreemanI made the assumption about civil aircraft because of the word "operator," but about 15 types of military aircraft were sent overseas. I do not think that the hon. Member would wish me to give details of them in terms of Meteors, Vampires, and so on.
§ Sir W. WakefieldCould they be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT?
§ Mr. FreemanYes, certainly.
§ Major BeamishWhat about the sales of Auster aircraft, which the House knows took place to Israel before it was recognised de facto; and were these aircraft used by them in operations against the Arabs? The Minister has not mentioned them.
§ Mr. FreemanThat does not come into the period covered by the Question.