HC Deb 22 June 1953 vol 516 c1486
68. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to improve the supply of up-to-date aircraft to the Fleet.

Mr. Sandys

Some while ago my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty and I had the organisation for the ordering and producing of naval aircraft examined. As a result, some improvements in methods are being introduced.

Captain Ryder

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that something considerably more is needed if the Fleet Air Arm is to be brought up to date?

69. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Supply the descriptive number or name of the new twin-jet swept-wing fighter being produced for the Fleet Air Arm; and what is its present state of progress.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him on 6th May by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Captain Ryder

As the First Lord of the Admiralty was unable to answer the Question, I would ask my right hon. Friend to consider whether he can enlarge on the reply he has just given?

Mr. Sandys

My hon. Friend will not expect me to give details about an aeroplane which is still in the development stage. The development and preliminary production plans are proceeding satisfactorily and, in order to accelerate this project we have given it super-priority.