§ 34. Mr. Wiggasked the Minister of Aviation whether he proposes to place an order for the Short Brothers and Harland Belfast in addition to the ten already ordered; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware of the necessity to make a decision regarding further orders of the Belfast freighter, and the need within the Royal Air Force for more of this type of aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AmeryThe current order for ten Belfasts for the Royal Air Force is expected to be adequate to meet the defence needs at present foreseen, and it is unlikely that the Government will order any more. Proposals for developing modified versions of the Belfast have been submitted by Messrs. Short Brothers and Harland and these, along with proposals from other aircraft companies, are under consideration in connection with a requirement for an aircraft to replace the Beverley and Hastings.