§ 43. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what facilities there are in operational commands of the Royal Air Force for the squadron testing of new types of aircraft.
Mr. WardAircraft entering squadron service are subjected to intensive flying trials. Other squadron trials are arranged as necessary thoughout an aircraft's life.
§ Mr. de FreitasWill the Secretary of State look at this to see if more testing of new aircraft cannot be done by the Royal Air Force in operational commands, not only in order that the testing itself may be better, but that there may be less delay at the Ministry of Supply stage before the aircraft becomes operational?
Mr. WardYes, I quite agree with the aims behind the hon. Gentleman's Question. It is most important that they should get these aircraft as quickly as they can, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman does not realise the number of steps which are already taken in this connection—such things as liaison officers at the manufacturers, the Central Fighter Establishment, the Boscombe handling squadron, and so on. And, even when the aircraft gets into squadron service, the aim is to try to fly 1,000 hours as quickly as possible and to send in periodical reports.