HC Deb 31 January 1951 vol 483 cc884-5
31. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is satisfied that sufficient priority is being given to the development and production of the flying boat fighter SRA1.

Mr. A. Henderson

There is no R.A.F. requirement for this type of fighter, and the question of priority does not therefore arise.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable disquiet about the defences of Hong Kong, where the airfields are threatened with artillery bombardment, and that fighters of this type might provide a very desirable means of defending bases of that kind?

Mr. Henderson

I have taken the best Service advice available to me in my official position, and it is not considered that this type of aircraft has any utility to the Royal Air Force.