§ Mr. FELLasked 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. HALDANEMr. 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. FELLAre 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. HALDANEOh, 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 LYNCHWould 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. LUPTONIs not Colonel Cody's success due entirely to the fact that it is a private venture?
Captain FABERCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether Mr. Cody is being helped by the Government in any way?
§ Mr. HALDANEHe is experimenting purely on his own account.