HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc169-70W
80. Mr. Wigg

asked the Minister of Supply on what date the prototype of the single engine Prestwick Pioneer aircraft now in service in Malaya first flew; on what date a production order was placed; what percentage of this order has been delivered to the Royal Air Force for the use of the Army; and on what date the order will be completed.

Mr. Maudling

The prototype of the version of this aircraft powered by a Leonides engine, which is the version now in service in Malaya, first flew on 5th May, 1950. The Air Ministry decided to order the aircraft in May, 1953, and the first production contract was placed in June of that year. This order and two others placed subsequently have been completed and the aircraft delivered to the Air Ministry. Deliveries against a further order will be completed in the next two months.