§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the feasibility of fireproofing fabrics and wood; and to what extent, under his Regulations, contractors working on aircraft orders for his Department use such fireproofed materials.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy Department has carried out a considerable amount of research into the fireproofing of fabrics and wood, and has this subject under continual review. Contractors are required to render fireproof the cockpit padding, upholstery and all fabric materials used for curtains and covers in aircraft ordered by my Department. Wood is little used in modern aircraft, and only on parts of the aircraft where fires are unlikely to start.
January-March April-June July-September ('000 tons) (£'000) ('000 tons) (£'000) ('000 tons) (£'000) Manufacturers' sales of Home Production:— Canned … … 101.5 Not available 97.4 Not available 95.0 Not available Deep freeze … … Not available quarterly; production in 1954 was 14,200 tons Retained Imports:— Canned … … 21.8 99.6 11 .4 57.0 37.7 163.7 Deep freeze … … .4 3.1 .6 4.8 1.1 7.3