HC Deb 19 July 1950 vol 477 c2237
8. Mr. John Grimston

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to form an air transport reserve from the men and equipment of the private charter operators.

Mr. A. Henderson

Proposals for the formation of R.A.F.V.R. transport squadrons associated with civil charter firms are under examination, and I hope to make an announcement when final details have been settled.

9. Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Secretary of State for Air what plans he has for obtaining United States equipment in the event of it becoming necessary to strengthen Transport Command.

Mr. A. Henderson

It would be possible to strengthen Transport Command without recourse to United States equipment.

Mr. Grimston

Is it not the fact that many of the aircraft employed by this Command, which is lamentably low in strength, are, in fact, American, and will need American replacement?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir. Transport Command is equipped with British modern machines, such as Hastings and Valettas.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Could we have an assurance that no D.C.3s are flying in Transport Command, because we have the impression that these aircraft are being used in numbers?

Mr. Henderson

There may be at the most one squadron.