§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can now state what steps the War Office have taken, or are proposing to take, to develop the use of the aeroplane for military purposes, particularly with regard to the following points: the training of officers and men as aviators at civilian schools, the enlistment and training of an adequate corps of aeroplane mechanics, the adequate remuneration of officers and men employed in this hazardous service, and the offering of prizes and other inducements to civilian manufacturers who are prepared to design and construct special aeroplanes in accordance with War Office specifications and requirements?
§ Mr. SANDYShad given notice of the-following question: To ask the Undersecretary of State for War whether it is intended to give a bonus to officers who obtain pilots' certificates privately, and, if so, what sum is to be allowed them; and whether representations have been made that extra pay should be given to officers of the Air Battalion corresponding to submarine pay in the Navy?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)The question of 861 offering a prize or prizes for aeroplanes suitable for military use is receiving careful consideration, but there are difficulties to be overcome, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this point. The Army Council has been carefully considering the numbers of trained observers necessary for our present war requirements, and has come to the conclusion that eighty or one hundred officers who are also pilots are required. As our present arrangements do not admit of opportunities for training so large a number, the Army Council is in communication with the various civilian schools of aviation in regard to the training of selected officers and the terms they would consider sufficient; and it is proposed to make a grant in aid of the expenses of such training. This covers the first point raised in the question of the hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Sandys). When these officers have obtained their pilot's certificates and been finally approved by the military authorities as skilled airmen they will be classed as Army airmen and a distinguishing mark will be placed opposite their name in the Army List. They will be attached to the Air Battalion for refresher courses at specified intervals. The training of so large a number will necessarily take some time, but a commencement will be made with the least possible delay. A considerable number of mechanics with special knowledge will eventually be necessary, and they will be enlisted as required. As regards remuneration, officers of the Air Battalion and aviation officers when attached will receive engineer pay in addition to regimental pay, and it is proposed to give such further pay or allowances as will in the opinion of the Army Council make the total remuneration adequate. The Army Council is in communication with the Admiralty and the Treasury as to this, and I hope to be able shortly to make a further statement. This covers the second point raised in question No. 26*. The question of the grant of special non-effective allowances to officers and men in cases of accident when engaged in aviation is under consideration.
§ Mr. LEEMay I ask, in regard to the first point, whether, whilst the War Office are considering and making up their mind on the special features of an ideal aeroplane, which may take some time, they will consider the advisability of purchasing an adequate number of machines of such types as have been proved as thoroughly suited to military requirements 862 by foreign Governments, who have more experience in this matter than we have?
§ Colonel SEELYWe have recently purchased some more aeroplanes, and we will continue to purchase them as and when required, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the advance of this science is so rapid that to buy a great number would be a very great mistake.
§ Mr. LEEMay I ask whether steps are being taken to train officers simply as observers, apart from the expensive course of making them pilots?
§ Colonel SEELYAs I explained in the more important part of my reply, it is proposed that from eighty to 100 officers shall be trained as pilots. Of course, their principal purpose will be to observe, but they will also be pilots.
§ Mr. SANDYSasked whether there are now on Salisbury Plain only five sheds available for aeroplanes; and whether it is intended to provide additional sheds for the "Valkyrie" machines recently presented by Mr. Barber?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are five sheds now on Salisbury Plain belonging to the Army, and they will hold seven aeroplanes. Another double shed to hold four aeroplanes will shortly be built.
§ Mr. SANDYSasked whether there are at present on Salisbury Plain only three qualified aeroplane mechanicians; and whether, for the safety of officers and others engaged on aeroplane work, this number will be increased immediately?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are three qualified aeroplane mechanicians at Salisbury Plain and another will shortly be sent there. There are two more at Farnborough on probation.
§ Mr. SANDYSAre we to understand that there are only to be five mechanics in the immediate future?
§ Colonel SEELYOh, no! In my previous answer I said that these special mechanics with a knowledge of this work will be enlisted as required.
§ Mr. SANDYSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the official statement that five officers of the Air Battalion are at present engaged in aeroplane work on Salisbury Plain, employing Government aeroplanes, he will state the names of such officers with a list of the aeroplanes at present in use by them?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are six officers of the Air Battalion engaged on aeroplane work on Salisbury Plain, namely, Captains Fulton and Burke, and Lieutenants Cammell, Reynolds, Barrington-Kennett and Connor. The aeroplanes there are one Farman biplane and three Bristol biplanes. Two more Bristol biplanes are to be delivered there this week and another in three weeks' time.
§ Mr. SANDYSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware whether any officer has been engaged on a machine' of his own and not on a Government aeroplane?
§ Colonel SEELYThere is more than one officer who has a machine of his own, and it is very desirable that there should be.