30. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Air for what reason he is equipping the Royal Air Force with F86 Sabre aircraft from the United States of America.
§ Mr. A. HendersonNo decision has been made to equip the Royal Air Force with F86 aircraft, though a proposal of this kind is under examination. These aircraft would be additional to our own jet fighters, which are being produced under the Government's rearmament programme.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettIs not the fact that this proposal is even under consideration either tantamount to a slight on the British aircraft industry which can very easily produce aeroplanes which, in the opinion of many, are just as good; or, failing that, a reflection of the vacillation and indecision of the policy of the Government in rearming this country?
§ Mr. HendersonNo, Sir. I endeavoured to make clear in my reply that these aircraft, if they are received, will be in addition to all ordered under our programme.
§ Mr. HendersonIt is a matter of opinion as to whether one has enough of anything.