§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the results of experiments conducted in France with regard to the detection of submarines by observers in aeroplanes, and communication between aeroplanes and battleships by wireless telegraphy; and if he will state what progress is being made by the Admiralty in training officers as aviators for scouting and offensive purposes?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe have at present no information beyond what has appeared in the Press on this subject. As regards the second part of the question, four officers are just completing a six months' course of instruction in aviation at East-church. The question of commencing another course is now under the consideration of the Board. The training so far given has been of a general nature only.
§ Mr. LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the making of a large increase in the number of those officers trained as aviators, following the example of the War Office?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe have not the same requirements as the War Office and I should not be able to interpret those 363 requirements at a moment's notice. But we are considering the question of the requirements of the Service.