§ 17. Mr. G. Brownasked the Minister of Supply whether he has now authorised the manufacturers of the N.A. 39 to seek orders for this aircraft from the United States of America.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Aubrey Jones)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. BrownWill the Minister give us some idea why an aeroplane as outstanding as this appears to be should be sold commercially in this way instead of being used by us and kept to trade against other "know-how" and important secrets or new weapons others may have? Secondly, is he quite satisfied that the failure of the Royal Air Force to consider a modified version of this aircraft and insistence upon something which will take ten years to develop—which, I understand, is the reason for seeking the American orders—is justified and not merely the chase after perfectionism which has so bedevilled us in this sphere?
§ Mr. JonesI cannot agree with the assumptions underlying the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. This aircraft is being developed because of a naval need for it. There is, therefore, a British need. On the other hand, if an aircraft is developed for British purposes, it is in the interests of the country as a whole that it should be exported either as a complete aircraft built in this country or under licence. I should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman would have taken pleasure in the fact that certain negotiations with a view to a licensing agreement are taking place.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not true that the R.A.F. has flatly declined to have anything to do with this aircraft, while the Admiralty has accepted it? Can the right hon. Gentleman be frank with the House and explain why the R.A.F. has refused to have this aircraft?
§ Mr. JonesCertainly, I will try to be frank, although, of course, I am not 14 speaking for the Air Ministry. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air said in a recent debate, the Air Ministry has a requirement for a low-flying bomber. It is examining the question whether or not this requirement is best met by the N.A. 39 or by some other aircraft. That examination has not yet been completed.
§ Mr. BrownIf the Royal Air Force are examining it at this moment and they were to place an order, would that not mean a combined order for this aeroplane big enough for the overheads to be spread to the satisfaction of the Treasury? If the R.A.F. were to decide in favour of it, would we still need to sell it to the Americans in order to get a big enough order to justify its production? In that event, ought not we to hold it back until that decision is taken?
§ Mr. JonesThere is no question of selling to the Americans merely in order to get a big enough order. However big the domestic order, it is surely in the national interest to enlarge the market to meet a national demand.
§ Mr. WiggAs this aircraft obviously does not meet the operational requirements of the Royal Air Force, is this not just another example of the Government's failure to plan so that the operational requirements of the Navy and the Royal Air Force can be dovetailed and a satisfactory aircraft produced instead of this appalling situation which now confronts Blackburn and General Aircraft Limited?
§ Mr. JonesI think the hon. Gentleman is presuming too much. There is no decision in this matter, although an attempt may well be made to correlate the demands of the two Services. It still remains to be seen whether the two demands match.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis has now become even more important. Do we understand that a decision has not been reached whether the Royal Air Force will accept this aircraft? What is the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. JonesThe situation is as it was described to the right hon. Gentleman in a recent Adjournment debate by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Air. I can add nothing at the moment to that statement.
§ Mr. BrownIn view of what I think the whole House will regard as the very unsatisfactory way in which the Minister has replied, I must give notice that in one form or another we shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.