§ Captain PLUGGEasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, whether consultation takes place between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty as to the design of flying-boats and other shore-based reconnaissance aircraft; and, if so, at what stage?
§ Sir T. INSKIPNo consultation takes place between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty with regard to the design of these aircraft. The Air Ministry are solely responsible for their design, although, as I pointed out in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 2nd December, full consideration is, of course, given to the fact that it is a function of these aircraft to co-operate with naval forces.