§ Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Supply the basic cost of the four military transport aircraft converted for transport of special persons.
§ Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Supply what were the special fittings installed in four military transport aircraft that warranted a cost of £149,000, in addition to the basic cost.
§ Mr. SandysOrders which specified the fittings required were placed between May, 1950, and January, 1951, for four military transport aircraft to be converted for the carrying of special pasengers. The aircraft were completed between September, 1951, and April, 1952.
It is contrary to the normal practice to give prices of individual contracts, but in view of the circumstances of this case I am prepared to make an exception. 31W The basic cost of each of the aircraft in question was approximately £100,000, unconverted.
The special fittings not included in the standard military transport aircraft, which were installed in these aircraft were:
Crew's rest room with two bunks and two seats; front passenger cabin with eight adjustable seats for staff; centre cabin with conference, dining and sleeping accommodation; separate toilets for V.I.Ps., staff and crew; air conditioning plant and fans; cupoards, wardrobes, luggage racks; oxygen supply; strip lighting; sound proofing throughout; hydraulically-operated door-cum-ladder with hand rails; refrigerator, hot cupboard and full 32W kitchen equipment, to cater for six crew and 18 passengers; special emergency equipment; special aft-facing seats; special windows so that all seats had good view and passengers could read by daylight.