§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Technology what aircraft are operated by his Department.
§ Mr. BennMy Department is operating 94 aircraft, mainly of military type and including prototypes of aircraft now in or about to enter service, on various aspects of research and development at its Establishments; they range in age from 1 to 24 years and in size from the Olympia Sailplane and a Chipmunk to the Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance prototype. In addition 30 aircraft are used for ancillary work including inter-communications, air-sea rescue and support of overseas trials, and 20 aircraft are operated by the Empire Test Pilots School. 95 other aircraft owned by the Department or on loan from the Services are operated by companies employed on research and development tasks under contract to the Department.