§ 4. Mr. Wiggasked the Minister of Supply on what date the prototype of the twin-engined Prestwick Pioneer aircraft first flew; on what date a production order was placed; what percentage of the order has been delivered to the Royal Air Force; and on what date the order will be completed.
§ Mr. ErrollThe prototype of the twinengined Prestwick Pioneer first flew on 25th June, 1955. The aircraft, which is being developed to a large extent as a private venture by the firm, has not yet been ordered for the Services.
§ Mr. WiggDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the outrageous nature of his reply? Is he aware that last week the Secretary of State for War published a memorandum in which he announced the formation of an independent brigade which was to use this aircraft? Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that The Times and almost every other newspaper in the country took up that story as a major new departure in the cold war? Now we hear for the first time that this aircraft, of which only one exists, flew for the first time in June last year. In other words, the claim of the Secretary of State for War in his memorandum is completely bogus and utterly false.
§ Mr. ErrollI suggest that the hon. Gentleman should address most of that supplementary question to the Secretary of State for War.
§ Mr. G. BrownIs the hon. Gentleman not on speaking terms with the Secretary of State for War?
§ Mr. ErrollOn this side of the House we are all on speaking terms with each other. I would only add that if aircraft are required they must be ordered.