4. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is sponsoring any further research or construction of aircraft capable of alighting on water, either of the high-speed fighter or the large transport or bomber types.
§ Mr. A. HendersonA project is under consideration for a flying boat to replace the Sunderland for maritime reconnaissance. In addition, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Hendon, North (Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing), on 14th March, it has been decided that the three Princess flying boats should be completed for the Royal Air Force.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettCan the Secretary of State say whether his Department is doing any research into the future of very large aircraft which, when they become large enough, may be more economical if they have planing hulls rather than increasingly heavy undercarriages?
§ Mr. HendersonI am advised that the project under consideration is for a flying boat powered with four gas turbine engines, twice the weight of the Sunderland and with a much greater speed.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what firms are undertaking this work, or whether it is entirely Departmental research?