18. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many Bristol type 175 aircraft are on order for British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Beswick)I am informed by British Overseas Airways Corporation that the contract between the Corporation and the Bristol Aeroplane Company provides for the production of 25 Bristol 175 aircraft, but that the right is reserved to the Corporation to reduce the number to be produced on their account to a total of not less than 15 if such reduction is later thought desirable.
Air Commodore HarveyCan the Parliamentary Secretary say when the aircraft are likely to be delivered, and can he assure the House that the re-armament programme of the Bristol Aeroplane Company will not interfere with the rate of delivery?
§ Mr. BeswickI can assure the hon. and gallant Member on the second point, but I would prefer him to put down a Question on the first point.
§ Mr. George WardWhat aircraft will the Bristol 175 replace?
§ Mr. BeswickIt is replacing several.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingIs the Minister in touch with the Secretary of State for Air on the desirability of using aircraft of this type for military transport purposes?
§ Mr. BeswickThat is another question.