HC Deb 25 May 1911 vol 26 cc443-4
Colonel BURN

asked whether, in view of the fact that no encouragement or financial assistance is given to officers who desire to take out aviation certificates, it is the intention of the Government to limit employment with the air battalion to those officers who are able to meet the expenses incurred in qualifying?

Colonel SEELY

The reply is in the negative. Preference, however, in filling the first vacancies was given to applicants for appointment who held certificates.

Colonel BURN

Can the hon. Gentleman say if any officers admittedly experienced in aviation were offered and refused employment with the air battalion?

Colonel SEELY

I do not know. I will inquire, if the hon. Member will put the question down.

Colonel BURN

asked what was the authorised establishment of acting engineers for the air battalion; was the number complete now; and, if so, when were the vacancies filled?

Colonel SEELY

The total establishment of engineer and acting engineer officers for the air battalion this year is fourteen. The number is not yet complete. Eight engineer and two acting engineer officers have been appointed, and three officers are on probation. The vacancies will be filled as soon as sufficient officers can be selected as suitable after probation.

Colonel BURN

asked why the large aeroplane factory was recently formed at Aldershot, seeing that the policy of the Government has been in the direction of closing down the ordnance factories and buying war material from civil manufacturers?

Colonel SEELY

No large aeroplane factory has been formed at Aldershot. The aircraft factory is primarily for the construction and repair of airships; only experimental work with aeroplanes and repairs have been executed there. As regards the Ordnance Factories, the policy of the Government is not to close them down, but to keep them on such a scale as will guarantee them full work, and will allow of expansion on emergency.

Mr. LIONEL N. de ROTHSCHILD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing the factory to construct aeroplanes other than experimental?

Colonel SEELY

I do not know if that would be the best method of procedure. I would not like to commit myself to it off-hand.