HC Deb 06 May 1953 vol 515 cc379-81
44. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when American Avenger aircraft were first used in the Fleet Air Arm; and when their use was discontinued after the war.

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. J. P. L. Thomas)

American Avenger aircraft came into operational use in the Royal Navy in February, 1943, and were withdrawn from general use in April, 1946.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my right hon. Friend aware that five years ago the re-introduction of this aircraft was never contemplated by his Department, and is he not satisfied that its re-introduction is a severe condemnation of the procedure by which the Admiralty acquires its aircraft for the Fleet Air Arm?

Mr. Thomas

I do not agree with that at all. The Avenger was used as a torpedo-bomber in 1947 but has been modified for anti-submarine work. It was discarded in 1947 because there was a great drain on dollars in buying spare parts, but we have now received a supply of these aircraft from America under the Mutual Security arrangements to help us until the Gannet comes along.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these aircraft, although they are very sound, are undoubtedly old from the point of view of years, and will he take a strong line in order to see that the Fleet Air Arm gets the type of aircraft which undoubtedly it deserves.

Mr. Thomas

I can assure my hon. Friend that I am taking the strongest possible line. However I deprecate what he says about the Avenger because it is in use in the United States Navy at the present moment.

49. Captain Ryder

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the name or number allocated to the new swept wing twin-jet fighter being produced for the Royal Navy.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

No name has yet been decided upon for this aircraft, nor is it possible at present to reveal any further particulars.

Captain Ryder

Could my right hon. Friend indicate whether any progress has been made in this matter?

Mr. Thomas

Oh, yes, very definitely.

50. Captain Ryder

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty by what process he keeps himself informed as to the views and suggestions that may be put forward by pilots with flying or operational experience of our latest aircraft.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

All officers and men in the Royal Navy are encouraged to put forward, through the normal Service channels, any views or suggestions that they may have. It is laid down that, if the originator so wishes, his ideas and suggestions should invariably be forwarded to the Admiralty. In the particular case of naval pilots, conferences are also held periodically in the Home Air Command. These are attended by as many pilots as possible and also by representatives from the Admiralty. Officers with flying and operational experience of our latest aircraft are also employed in appropriate posts in the Admiralty. They keep in flying practice while so employed and in touch with the air squadrons and carriers in which these new aircraft are in use.

Captain Ryder

I am glad to hear that. May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that official expressions of opinion on some of our latest aircraft appear to differ substantially from the views held by the pilots who have to fly them?

Mr. Thomas

All I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend is that the views of pilots reach the Admiralty.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, having served for some time in this Service, my source of information differs in its opinion from that of my right hon. Friend, and it does appear that his usual channels, like other usual channels, have become clogged at times?

Mr. Thomas

I can assure my hon. Friend that anybody who brings forward suggestions, as I said in my answer, has the right to have them invariably forwarded to the Admiralty.