HC Deb 07 March 1912 vol 35 cc552-4
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Undersecretary if he will say how many aeroplanes are now actually on order, and, of that number, how many are ordered from foreign and how many from English firms?

Colonel SEELY

Negotiations are now in progress for thirty-six new aeroplanes, eighteen of which are British.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Undersecretary whether he will state how many aeroplanes he expects to manufacture in the aircraft factory before 31st December of this year?

Colonel SEELY

As I have already explained to the House the functions of the factory are to repair damages, to alter or improve those aeroplanes which have been already obtained, and to make experimental machines. It is not intended for the manufacture of aeroplanes on any large scale.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether the non-commissioned officers of the London Balloon Company have been recently learning flying at Eastchurch; whether one of them has obtained his certificate, and whether the War Office has now decided that they cannot sanction the training of the Territorial Force in aviation; and, if so, what is the reason for this decision?

Colonel SEELY

It is understood that arrangements were made for the training of a limited number of officers and men of this company in aeroplane work at East-church. Official sanction for this training could not, however, be given as the organisation of the Air Service and the conditions of employment in it had not been decided. It has not been reported to the War Office that a non-commissioned officer has obtained a pilot's certificate. The Flying Corps is open to all branches of the Army, including the Territorial Force, and it is hoped and anticipated that a number of members of that force will join.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether military aviation is to be confined to officers of the Army and Navy, or whether the services of non-commissioned officers and men who pass the tests will be available for Army and Navy purposes?

Colonel SEELY

It is proposed to train non-commissioned officers and men as well as officers in flying.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Undersecretary if he will state in what respect British aeroplanes are more dangerous to human life than French ones; and upon what information he founded his recent statement to that effect?

Colonel SEELY

As I explained to the House, the distribution of the orders for aeroplanes was based on the advice of the technical members of the Air Committee. They were guided entirely, as I have said, by considerations of efficiency and safety.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he could not also give orders for aeroplanes to British makers?

Colonel SEELY

I am glad to have the opportunity of answering that question. The French are far ahead of ourselves or any other nation in this matter, and, therefore, their machines are on balance the safest of all the machines manufactured. There are some British machines which are safe enough, but, altogether, the French are building safer machines.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me a Return, if I ask for it, showing the number of lives lost in connection with French and British aeroplanes?

Colonel SEELY

I will try to get the information for the hon. Gentleman and send it to him, but I doubt whether it will give him the impression which he thinks he will receive.