§ Mr. ROTHSCHILDasked if he will state the approximate number of æroplanes now being constructed for the French and German Governments; and how many efficient ones the Governments of Great Britain, France, and Germany will each own by the end of 1911?
§ Colonel SEELYWith regard to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Gentleman the Member for North Kensington on the 7th of March. I cannot give an estimate of the number of efficient aeroplanes which will be in the possession of France or Germany at the end of this year. With regard to this country we have obtained or ordered a sufficient number for instructional and experimental purposes, and further orders will depend upon our experience with these machines.
§ Colonel SEELYNo. I cannot say at the exact moment. Of course, the hon. Gentleman is aware they are constructed very rapidly, so the information would not be very valuable.
§ Mr. SANDYSIs it not a fact we have only five compared with sixty of the French Government?
§ Colonel SEELYI think that is quite inaccurate. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask whether the War Office has just ordered four, and whether there was a fifth on order the other day?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is not accurate either.
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps hon. Members will kindly take the trouble to put these questions down.