As I said elsewhere, the 301 (Skybolt aircraft) engined Mk2s could develop greater thrust if set to take-off power and were thus seen as more suitable for the higher temperatures of the far east. Initially the Cottesmore wing was assigned to the far east role with 24 aircraft. With the pending disbandment of 12 Sqn the Waddington near east role, with a 16 aircraft requirement, was swapped to Cottesmore and the 201s.
The 301 higher take-off power produced significantly more thrust than was needed and increased engine fatigue. They were then restricted to cruise power for take-off which, as 50+ said, meant they had the same take-off run as the 201 aircraft.