CAB129-52 — Page 105

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SEC RE T

C. (52) 187

10TH JUNE, 1952

11

CABINET

PROGRESS OF SUPER-PRIORITY SCHEME

Memorandum by the Minister of Supply

COPY NO.

64

On the 13th March, 1952, the Cabinet decided to accord "Super-Priority" to the production of the most up-to-date jet aircraft and certain other defence equipment, and I was asked to report progress from time to time (C. C. (52) 30th Conclusions, Minute 5).

2.

The Super-Priority scheme has now come into general operation and, although it has only been in force for a few weeks, it has already produced some improvement in the supply of materials and labour. There is no doubt that it has had a stimulating effect on the industries concerned and that it will over a period produce an appreciable acceleration of production.

3.

The output of Canberra light bombers is building up steadily, and this type gives no cause for concern. The other Super-Priority types for which production orders have been placed more recently (Hunter, Swift, Valiant and Gannet) are going ahead smoothly and deliveries should start approximately at the dates planned with the prospect later of some improvement on the rate of deliveries previously forecast.

The development of the still newer types of military aircraft has also been proceeding satisfactorily. In the case of the Gloster F. 4 all-weather fighter and the B. 35 heavy bomber we have now reached the stage when production orders should be placed. Subject to the approval of the Treasury, I propose to place orders forthwith for two hundred of the former and fifty of the latter.

4.

5.

The Cabinet has already accorded Super-Priority to the F.4. that similar priority should now be given to the B. 35.

I ask

Ministry of Supply, S. W. 1.,

10TH JUNE, 1952.

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D.S.

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