§ 38. Captain Ryderasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps he is taking to reduce the delays in development and production of modern naval aircraft.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Wingfield Digby)The Admiralty are in constant touch with the Ministry of Supply, which is responsible for the development and production of naval aircraft, in order to see if there are any ways in which we can assist in securing the quickest possible delivery of aircraft to the Navy. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that it was recently decided to accord super-priority to the production of the Gannet anti-submarine aircraft.
§ Captain RyderIs it not a fact that very serious delays have taken place in the production of naval aircraft? Can my hon. Friend say how much of this is attributable to the Admiralty and how much to the Ministry of Supply?
§ Mr. DigbyI can speak only for the Admiralty. We are certainly doing our best to overcome the delay.