§ 51. Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Supply why he sanctioned a contract for ten new Mark I jet Provost trainers for the Royal Air Force to be built by Hunting-Percival Aircraft; if he is aware that these aircraft are equipped with pneumatic controls, whereas all standard controls in the Royal Air Force are operated by hydraulics; the cost of this particular contract to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingThese aircraft were ordered because the quickest method of obtaining the primary jet trainers required by the Air Ministry for evaluation was by adaptation of the Provost trainer already in service. There is no standard method of control operation specified for Royal Air Force aircraft. The first nine jet Provosts will have pneumatic controls, as has the piston engined Provost. The tenth will be fitted with hydraulic controls. It is not the practice to make public the amounts paid under particular contracts.