HC Deb 07 March 1911 vol 22 cc1012-4
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the Secretary of State for War how many dirigibles are complete, building, or ordered for the French, German, and Russian armies?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

The German army has nine complete dirigibles, but no official information as to further orders is available. The French army has four dirigibles complete, and eight in various stages of construction. The Russian army has nine dirigibles complete, one building, and four on order.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked how many aeroplanes had been built, purchased, or are on order for the Governments of France, Germany, and Russia?

Mr. HALDANE

As regards Germany no definite information is available as that Government has adopted a policy of subsidy in respect of aeroplanes. As regards France nearly seventy aeroplanes are in possession of the Government, but as to further orders no information is to hand. As regards Russia it is understood that ten aeroplanes are available for use and that twenty are on order.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to find out how many of the German aeroplanes are subsidised?

Mr. HALDANE

No; I do not think it possible.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the amount of financial provision made for aeronautical work in France, Germany, and Russia during the last two years?

Mr. HALDANE

The figures are as follows:—

Germany.—1900, Expenditure £54,231.

1910, Estimate £400,000 (including the Zeppelin Subscription Fund, £305,000).

France.—1909, Expenditure £108,500.

1910, Expenditure £126,650.

These figures include pay of personnel, etc, upkeep of laboratory, depots, etc.

Russia.—1909, Estimate £103,020

1910, Estimate £183,820.

Mr. LEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a somewhat fuller statement when the Army Estimates come on?

Mr. HALDANE

Yes.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked how many officers and men have been or are being trained for aeronautical work; what the cost of their pay and upkeep is estimated to reach during the coming financial year; and whether the money necessary to meet these charges will be borne by the Vote for the air battalion of the forces?

Mr. HALDANE

Nine officers and 108 non-commissioned officers and men, who are trained or in course of training, are now with the air battalion at Aldershot. There are also a number of officers of Royal Engineers and men who have been trained in captive ballooning and kiting. The establishment of the air battalion consists of fourteen officers and 176 other ranks, and their pay and upkeep for the year 1911–12 will amount to about £20,000, which is provided under the several Votes concerned.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Is it the intention that in future the pay of the air battalion shall come out of the money provided for the air battalion?

Mr. HALDANE

The pay will come like ordinary pay.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether a special course of training for officers and men in connection with aeronautical work had been decided upon; and, if so, over what period of time this training was likely to extend?

Mr. HALDANE

The training of officers and men in aeronautical work is proceeding. No definite duration, of course, has yet been fixed, but officers joining are placed on probation for six months.