Princess Flying Boats

HC Deb 23 November 1959 vol 614 cc20-1

32. Mr. Eden

asked the Minister of Aviation what decision he has made regarding the future of the Princess flying boat.

33. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he has now decided to dispose of the Princess flying boat.

Mr. Sandys

The hulls of the three Princess flying boats are being kept in cocoon, in the hope that some worthwhile use will be found for them.

Mr. Eden

Can the Minister come to some decision fairly soon as to what his own views on this subject are, whether he should recommend that the flying boats be taken out of their cocoons and put into service again? Can he foresee any possible use for them with the development of nuclear power?

Mr. Sandys

A number of proposals have been made at different times about these flying boats, but none of them has materialised. Last week I received another proposal, which I am examining.