§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government to state their intentions as to the future of the Princess flying boats.]
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, the first Princess flying boat is nearing completion and will undergo flight trials with Proteus II engines. Completion of the two other flying boats on order has been postponed, as it is advisable to wait for the more powerful Proteus III engine and, meanwhile, to reduce current expenditure and release capacity for other work.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, while thanking the noble Viscount for his reply, may I ask him, in view of the statement in the Civil Appropriation Accounts, what Her Majesty's Government intend to do with the first Princess flying boat when she is completed?
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, she will engage in experimental flying, of which I understand a great deal will be required.