BRITISH POLITICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 26 March 1930, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

AIR ESTIMATES

RESEARCH WORK

STATEMENT BY MINISTER

British Official Wirolesß)

RUGBY, 25th March. When the air estimates were considered on the report stage ..Sir Samuel Hoaro, Air Minister in the late Government, put a number of questions. He said he did not wisli to enter into any controversy as to whether the Government's decision not to compete again for the Schneider Cup was wise or not, but he wished to know whether experiments were still being made with high-speed machines. He also wished to know what had been done with regard to autogyro-machines. Mr Montague, Under-Secretary for Air, replying, said the Air Ministry realised the importance of research work regarding high-speed flights. .Tljis would go on and officers would carry out with the aid of the Gloucester machines which took part in the Schneider contest further research work, which should be as valuable as the work done previous to that race. The autogyro flying boat was still under development and a new autogyro boat would probably be ordered in 1930 to embody all the experience obtained up to date. For a great many service purposes, however, a flying boat of that description would hardly bo suitable. New types of Hying boats included a boat heavier than the Southampton, which had boon introduced into the service. With regard to gliders, Mr Montague .believed the principal requirement for their development was an upcurrent of air. and this country was not so suitable for flying them as Germany or other places on.the Continent; but there was development of the gliding machine. In regard to international pooling of ideas of research, this principle.hail been carried out.. The Aeronautical Research Committee of the United States had been in close touch with this country and the development of ElOl airship was carried through to a great extent in close touch with airship development and airship experience in other countries, especially in Germany.