§ 22. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what types of aircraft are being used for night training co-operation with searchlights; and at what speeds they normally fly when engaged on these duties.
Mr. WardBeaufighters, Oxfords, Proctors, Rapides, Geminis, Ansons and Consuls are used on this work, for which they fly at speeds ranging from 125 to 200 miles per hour.
§ Mr. HarveyDoes my hon. Friend feel that this is realistic training? Moreover, in view of the fact that many of the men who are being trained in this way have served during active operations, does he think that this is likely to increase their enthusiasm?
Mr. WardOperational squadrons cannot be spared for searchlight co-operation work because all available flying hours are taken up with interception and 185 all-weather training. Searchlight cooperation training is, therefore, not regarded as useful to them because the use of searchlights to help fighters in interception has now been surpassed by A.I. radar methods.