§ 5. Air Commodore A. V. Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent he is pressing for an increased number of helicopters for use in Malaya and elsewhere.
§ 2. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to improve the supply of helicopters for use by British Forces in Malaya.
Mr. WardMy noble Friend is fully alive to the potentialities of the helicopter for a wide variety of military purposes, and attaches great importance to the early provision of suitable types. He is awaiting a report from the Commanders-in-Chief in the Far East on the requirements for additional helicopters in Malaya.
§ Air Commodore HarveyWill my hon. Friend say what is being done to increase production? Is he aware that when a Parliamentary delegation visited Malaya 18 months ago there was a vociferous demand then for additional helicopters for saving life and for facilitating operations? Will he look into the matter further and treat it with the utmost urgency?
Mr. WardYes, Sir, but, although the work of research and development on helicopters has made good progress in recent years, this type of aircraft is still in its infancy and the types at present available have severe limitations.
§ Mr. Gerald NabarroHas the attention of my hon. Friend been drawn to the incredible efficiency of this machine which was demonstrated yesterday afternoon by 373 the Chief of the Imperial General Staff landing in the square at Chelsea Barracks to collect some documents which had been left behind?