§ 35. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Supply what has been the effect on production of the Gannet aircraft of the complete change of its design; and what stages of production had been reached when this change was decided on.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)It is difficult to assess precisely the extent of the delay caused by the changes made in the operational requirement and design of the Gannet aircraft; but it was certainly very considerable. The most radical of these changes, necessitating the construction of a new prototype, was decided upon between 1948 and 1950, before the production order was placed.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is not the first type of aircraft to be affected in this way? Will he consider seriously adopting a new system which can enable aircraft to be put more quickly in service than they are at present? They are taking a great many years, as the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) knew when he was in office, before my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. SandysThis is a matter which we have constantly in mind. There have been particularly disappointing results in the case of one or two naval aircraft, and I am examining the matter with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is simply futile to produce aircraft which are already obsolete because a new idea has come along in the midst of their creation, that it is absolutely necessary that these changes should take place before anything is put into production, and that we should not waste money upon producing something which is out of date before it goes into production?
§ Mr. SandysI do not think anybody could disagree with the principles enunciated by the right hon. Gentleman.