§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked if recent demonstrations of the utility of aeroplanes for military purposes have attracted the attention of the War Office; and if any decision has been arrived at to add to the number of machines owned by the military authorities and the staff of trained military aviators?
§ Colonel SEELYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing at present to add to the full information which I gave the House on the 18th of last month in reply to a question put by the hon. Member for the Fareham Division of Hampshire.
§ Mr. LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of the question, which raises a different point from that covered by the reply to the previous question?
§ Colonel SEELYOn the broad question whether it is necessary to add to the number of aeroplanes the answer certainly is yes, but I have not made any general statement as to how many, or when, because that is still under consideration, for obvious reasons.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman give a pledge that this matter shall be discussed by the House before too great expense is incurred in this matter?
§ Colonel SEELYOn matters of business, of course, it is not for me to say when an opportunity will arise, but no great expense is likely to be incurred in the near future for the purchase of aeroplanes.