HC Deb 16 March 1955 vol 538 cc1282-3
32. Mr. Rankin

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what further orders for Pioneer aircraft have been placed in view of their proven usefulness in Malaya.

Mr. Ward

An order has recently been approved for a further four Pioneer aircraft. This will bring the number of these aircraft ordered for Malaya to 18.

Mr. Rankin

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that this civilian aircraft, which is doing a civilian job in a very good way indeed, deserves all the tributes he has paid to it, and will he do his best to further still more orders?

Mr. Ward

I think that on operational grounds 18 is about enough for that theatre, but I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman about the value of this very good aircraft.

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