HC Deb 12 December 1911 vol 32 cc2119-21
Mr. SANDYS

asked how many officers belonging to the permanent establishment of the Air Battalion are at present engaged in aeroplane work on Salisbury Plain?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

Three officers of the Air Battalion and two officers attached are at present engaged on aeroplane work at Salisbury Plain.

Mr. SANDYS

Are the two officers attached included in the permanent establishment to which the question relates?

Colonel SEELY

I think not. I would not like to say offhand.

Mr. SANDYS

That is to say there are three officers now engaged in work on Salisbury Plain belonging to the permanent establishment?

Colonel SEELY

So I think.

Mr. SANDYS

Is there a proposal to increase that number?

Colonel SEELY

Yes, up to a hundred officers.

Mr. SANDYS

Are there a hundred officers in the permanent establishment?

Colonel SEELY

No, I must not be taken as saying that.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has managed to ask four supplementary questions, all separate questions, to which he has got full answers.

Mr. SANDYS

asked whether any cross-country flights have been undertaken by officers of the Air Battalion during the past six months acting under official instructions; if so, whether their expenses in connection with such flights have been refunded; and, if so, what sum has been expended in such manner?

Colonel SEELY

Several cross-country flights have been undertaken by officers of the Air Battalion during the last six months. Claims for expenses are for the consideration of the local military authorities, and it is understood that certain claims are now being so considered.

Mr. SANDYS

asked whether an engineer officer engaged in aviation work receives no additional pay; whether an officer of the Guards on joining the Air Battalion loses his Guards' allowance; and, if so, whether steps will be taken in framing the proposed pay regulations for the Air Battalion to deal with these cases?

Mr. TENNANT

In regard to the first and second parts of the question the facts, under present arrangements, are as stated. As regards the last part of the question, these cases will be considered.

Mr. SANDYS

asked whether it is proposed to form an aviation corps apart from the Royal Engineers and under separate administration?

Colonel SEELY

I am not in a position to make any further statement on this subject at present.

Mr. SANDYS

asked whether officers who obtained an Aero Club certificate before the issue of the new regulations will be entitled to the allowance of £75?

Mr. TENNANT

If they are recommended and selected for aviation work they will be entitled to the allowance.

Mr. SANDYS

asked whether, if, as is officially stated, 100 officers are to pass through a short aviation course, it is the intention of the Government on mobilisation to withdraw such officers from their regiments for the purpose of forming an aviation corps; and, if so, how the deficiency in regimental officers is to be made good?

Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked whether the Army Council has sanctioned the proposed system whereby, on the outbreak of hostilities, officers who are also aeroplanists would, when their services are most needed, be permanently withdrawn from the regiments to which they belong?

Colonel SEELY

The officers in question will be withdrawn from their regiments on mobilisation, and vacancies in the regiments will be dealt with in the usual way when officers are withdrawn for staff duties.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

If any of these officers break their necks or get injured otherwise, will any allowance be given?

Colonel SEELY

I hope that there will not be very many fatal accidents. The whole question of compensation for injury is under careful consideration.