HC Deb 14 September 1909 vol 10 c1927
Mr. FELL

asked if the successful experiments at Aldershot by Mr. Cody with his aeroplane are being conducted at the expense of the War Office; what is the nature of his agreement, if any, with the War Office; and if the Government have any option of purchase of the aeroplane?

Mr. HALDANE

Mr. Cody's aeroplane is his own property, and the experiments are being carried out at his own expense. There is no agreement with the War Office regarding his aeroplane, and no option of purchase.

Mr. FELL

Are the Government doing nothing in this matter, taking no steps and expending no money, but leaving it entirely to the enterprise of Mr. Cody?

Mr. HALDANE

Oh, yes, the Government are taking steps. It does not follow that because they are allowing facilities to Mr. Cody for working with his own machine that they are taking no steps.

Mr. ARTHUR LYNCH

Would the right hon. Gentleman be favourable to the establishment in this country of a technical school corresponding in some degree to L'Ecole Polytechnique in France?

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.

Mr. LUPTON

Is not Colonel Cody's success due entirely to the fact that it is a private venture?

Captain FABER

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether Mr. Cody is being helped by the Government in any way?

Mr. HALDANE

He is experimenting purely on his own account.