HC Deb 14 February 1951 vol 484 cc376-7
6. Mr. Ralph Morley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what final decision has now been taken with regard to the future of the Princess flying-boats.

12. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Pariamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is now in a position to make a statement on the construction of the three Saunders Roe Princess flying-boats, S.R.45; and if it is intended to complete the project.

Mr. Beswick

I have nothing yet to add to the reply I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Gosport and Fare-ham (Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett) on 31st January, 1951.

Mr. Morley

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance, in accordance with statements made in responsible quarters recently, that when these flying-boats are in commission they will be operated by B.O.A.C. and from Southampton Water?

Mr. Beswick

If my hon. Friend will look at my previous answer he will see that I cannot give that assurance.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter also has been outstanding for a very long time; and as hundreds of men who are employed at the Saunders Roe Works have put everything they know into this work, will he give the House an assurance that the project will not be dropped, whatever it is decided to do?

Mr. Beswick

I am not quite sure what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means when he says "the project will not be dropped." There are various fresh considerations which have to be taken into account.

Sir Peter Macdonald

Is it not a fact that on more than one occasion a definite assurance has been given to me, and, in fact, a pledge, by the Minister as well as by the Chairman of B.O.A.C., that this project will be continued, and that one of the flying-boats will be ready this year? Has anything happened since then to change that policy?

Mr. Beswick

I understand that a lot of things have happened in the world since then.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is it true that there is no flying-boat operating under the British flag today, and that if this project is dropped there will be none for many years?

Mr. Beswick

I understand that some flying-boats, civil aircraft, are operating under the British flag. A number are also flying under the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Morley

Is it not a fact that on 29th November, in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Gosport and Fareham (Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett), my hon. Friend suggested that these flying-boats would be operated by B.O.A.C.?

Mr. Beswick

I suggest that my hon. Friend awaits a statement which will be made.

Sir P. Macdonald

When will the statement be made?

Air Commodore Harvey

In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, and with a view to trying to elucidate the matter, I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise it on the Adjournment.