HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 cc1365-7
3. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the staff requirement for the Gannet aircraft was first issued; why this requirement was subsequently altered; and what is the estimated lapse of time between this first staff requirement and the equipping of the first Fleet Air Arm squadron with this aircraft.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The original conception of the aircraft now known as the Gannet (not then intended for primarily an anti-submarine role) was the subject of a Staff requirement issued in December, 1945. The Staff requirement was later altered to make an anti-submarine role its primary purpose and to enable the aircraft to carry a third crew member and newly developed weapons and equipment. This altered and final Staff requirement was issued in January, 1951. I regret that it is not in the public interest to answer the last part of the Question.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the First Lord aware that these alterations in staff requirements are not limited to the Gannet aircraft, and that these long delays which occur in the production of aircraft are a great source of disappointment to those who fly them? Can he tell us exactly what measures he proposes to take to see that these delays are shortened in the future?

Mr. Thomas

If the hon. Member will give me particulars of other cases I am quite willing to go into them. I can assure him that we are in constant touch with the Ministry of Supply in an endeavour to avoid all unnecessary delay, but in the case of the Gannet there was a change of policy in that the aircraft was converted from a reconnaissance aircraft to an aircraft which, as I said in my original answer, must be used primarily for anti-submarine work.

Captain Ryder

Will the First Lord bear in mind the fact that the Admiralty has a very bad reputation for aircraft production, and this is not being allayed by reports received in regard to the very latest aircraft? Will he seriously look into this matter, which is causing great disturbance?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid that I cannot accept the stricture contained in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but I can assure him that, as far as delay is concerned, in the whole general policy of naval aircraft we are in the closest touch with the Ministry of Supply.

Mr. Langford-Holt

While the First Lord cannot accept the strictures of his hon. and gallant Friend, will he accept my assurance that they are perfectly justified? Will the First Lord really look at this matter again and consider whether some new effort cannot be made to put right something which is entirely wrong at the present time?

Mr. Thomas

I admit that there have been difficulties in the past, but I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible step is between taken between us and the Ministry of Supply to try to see that they do not occur again.