§ Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Suppy and of Aircraft Production if he will state the number of persons employed in his Ministry in connection with aircraft production, at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. LeonardThe number of non-industrial staff, both permanent and temporary, employed in the Ministry of Aircraft Production on 1st November, 1945, was 19,530.
§ Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, how many aircraft are now being produced each month for civil, naval and military purposes, respectively.
§ Mr. LeonardI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 25th October last regarding the production of civil aircraft. As regards the production of military and naval type aircraft it would not be in the public interest to give current output figures.
§ Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if Stirling aircraft are still being manufactured.
§ Mr. LeonardA few Stirling aircraft are now under construction to complete an outstanding contract but it is expected that production will have ceased by the end of the year. No further orders are being placed for this type of aircraft.
§ Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what progress has been made in the standardisation of aircraft radio equipment with other countries.
§ Mr. LeonardThere is a complete interchange of information on the design of radio equipment and systems for military aircraft with the U.S.A. and the Dominions. The international standardisation of radio systems for use by civil aircraft has recently been discussed at the Commonwealth and Empire Radio for Civil Aviation conferences. Representatives of the United States attended all three of these conferences and the Soviet Union sent observers to the last one.
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§ Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production which transport aircraft at present under construction can be modified to take jet turbines when this equipment is in production and is considered suitable.
§ Mr. LeonardSeveral types of transport aircraft now under construction could be modified to take turbine-propeller engines as distinct from turbine jet engines.