§ 43. Mr. J. Grimstonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the decision not to proceed with the Princess Flying Boat for commercial operation.
§ Mr. BeswickOwing to the rapid progress which has been made in the development of the Comet it is now thought likely that the Comet will be better adapted for the needs of civil aviation 431 than the larger flying boats, and accordingly it has been decided that British Overseas Airways Corporation shall not introduce these boats into service However, as my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air said yesterday, the use of the Princess flying boats as military transports is being favourably considered. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply needs the boats for development and experimental purposes, and many lessons of great value to aeronautical science will be learnt from them.
§ Mr. GrimstonAre not these three aircraft the latest addition to what is regarded as an impressive collection of white elephants?
§ Mr. BeswickThese three aircraft will perform very useful service in the interests of the nation.
§ Mr. G. CooperIs it not a fact that the operation of the flying boats on the African route during the last period of operation by the B.O.A.C. was. in fact, profitable?
§ Mr. BeswickThat is not quite accurate, and in any case it has nothing to do with the statement mentioned in the Question which we are now considering.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWhich Departmental Vote will bear the cost of developing these flying boats?
§ Mr. BeswickIt depends upon the eventual user.
§ Mr. Ralph MorleyDoes my hon. Friend recall that he has several times indicated that when these boats come into commission they will be based on Southampton? Can he give a further assurance in that respect?
§ Mr. BeswickIf my hon. Friend is referring to the possible use by the Royal Air Force he should put his question to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Air.
Air Commodore HarveyDoes not the statement show that high executives of the B.O.A.C. have very little knowledge of business, since they ought to have made up their minds on this matter two years ago? Will the hon. Gentleman try to instil some knowledge of business methods into them?
§ Mr. BeswickThere are considerations which apply now which did not apply two years ago.
§ Mr. NicholsonHow is the cost being met up to date?
§ Mr. BeswickPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that it would be tragic to lose the "know-how" of making these big flying boats? Unless the Government give proper encouragement is there not a danger of losing this "know-how"?
§ Mr. BeswickWe have given very considerable encouragement, but hon. Gentlemen opposite are already talking about the financial cost.