§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that the Norman-Thompson Flight Company, Limited, of Bognor, were responsible for the design and construction of the first flying boat of present-day type used for the Navy; and that a design by this firm was on the 20th April, 1918, officially adopted by the Air Ministry as the Government pattern of naval instruction machine; whether he is aware that during the War this company have supplied to the Government about 100 flying boats as well as land machines; that in 1915 the Admiralty Air 1388W Department asked for more production, which involved the company in making extensions, which were ready in May, 1916, but that for twelve months after that the company, owing to the shortage of orders, were only working at one-third of their full output; and that in 1917 the Air Board directed a further enlargement of the company's works; whether the Government provided the money for the new buildings which were specially designed for the production of flying boats, and are now approaching completion; whether he is aware that, without a day's warning, on the 28th January of this year, all orders for such flying boats were cancelled, except as regards those then in hand; whether there has been any complaint against the work of this company; whether the Secretary of State has received a petition from the workmen employed by the firm in reference to the indecision of the Air Board regarding future work; and whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the future dealings of the Board with this company?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to reply to this question. I am advised that the shortage of orders in and after May, 1916, was due to difficulties experienced with the engines for one particular type of machine. In other respects the work completed by the company was satisfactory, but this type being no longer required by the Services the contract was cancelled, subject to the completion of any boats laid down. At present the firm has an order for thirty boats of another type. There has been delay in the placing of further orders owing to the appointment of a receiver for the debenture holders and the uncertain financial position, but in view of the prospect of satisfactory financial arrangements being made a further substantial order is in prospect.