§ 19. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what consideration has been given to the use by the Royal Air Force of the Princess flying boats for air trooping.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingThe proposal to use the three Princess flying boats, for air trooping has been fully considered in the past, and we concluded on both economic and operational grounds that we should not be justified in completing them for use in this rôle. With the run-down of our overseas forces and the consequent contraction of routine air trooping, the case against the proposal is now more cogent than ever.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsCan my hon. Friend give any indication as to the use to which these Princess flying boats are to be put? Is there any possibility of selling them or using them for another purpose?
Mr. Orr-EwingPerhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question on the Order Paper, in which case it might not be put down to my right hon. Friend.