§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Minister of Aircraft Production what is the calibre and rate of fire per minute of the Messer-schmitt ME 109F which landed in Kent on 10th July; and how this Mauser cannon compares in these respects with the cannon fitted in the latest model Spitfire which fell into enemy hands?
§ Mr. MontagueThe Mauser cannon in the Messerschmitt ME 109F which landed in Kent is of 20 mm. calibre, and the rate of fire is approximately 780 rounds a minute. It would not be in the public interest to give comparative figures for the latest Spitfire which has fallen into enemy hands as its guns may not have been in a condition to allow the enemy to obtain much information.
§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Minister of Aircraft Production, with reference to the Messerschmitt ME 109 FI, which landed in Britain on 10th July, on what date its armament was tested by his officials; on what date the result of these tests, and opportunities to inspect the aircraft, were given to the Press; and to what organs of the Press were these facilities specifically offered?
§ Mr. MontagueApart from details of a general nature, the results so far obtained of the armament tests on the M.E. 109 FI have not been disclosed to the Press. Facilities were, however, given to the principal daily newspapers, the technical journals and the Press agencies to inspect this machine on 23rd July. Tests arc proceeding.