§ 17 and 18. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) if he is aware of the desirability that trooping contracts should be carried out by British aircraft; and what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of British aircraft in contracts shortly to be awarded;
(2) if he will take steps to assist the British aircraft manufacturers by refusing to award trooping contracts to operators of foreign-built aircraft.
Mr. WardMost air trooping is done by British-built aircraft. Tenders for trooping contracts must however be considered on their merits, and it would be wrong to impose a ban on the use of foreign-built aircraft.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyThat is all very well, but is my right hon. Friend aware that in normal times there is a spare capacity of British-built aircraft available? If it is his intention to built up a good reserve of transport aircraft for times of emergency like the present, he must give these people encouragement. Further, is he aware that in America today there is a surplus of second-hand aircraft, and that the Americans are prepared to sell, loan or charter them to any country in the world on almost ridiculous terms? Will my right hon. Friend discourage this type of purchase of aircraft 1340 by giving contracts so as not to undermine our own British transport aircraft system?
Mr. WardI do not think that there is any question of undermining our own British transport aircraft system. Eighty-eight per cent. of trooping is done by British-built aircraft. But it would be quite wrong to close the door entirely to foreign-built aircraft. I have a duty to the taxpayers as well as to the aircraft industry.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in view of the contemplated drastic reduction in the size of our ground forces it will become essential to provide more British transport aircraft for trooping purposes? Have the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues got that point seriously in mind?
Mr. WardYes, but I think that the House is already aware that towards the end of the current financial year we shall be taking delivery of three Britannias, which will be used for trooping.