§ 12. Colonel BURNasked whether the Government have made exhaustive tests with the latest pattern of Baden-Powell war kites, which have been supplied to-the German and other foreign armies; and, if so, whether they have been found inferior to the Cody equipment for which the Government have just paid a remuneration of £5,000?
§ Colonel SEELYExhaustive trials were made with Major Baden-Powell's war kites up to the year 1896, when it was definitely decided not to proceed further with that particular design of kite. Since 1906, when a final reply was given to Major Baden-Powell, nothing further has been suggested by him. He has offered his invention to the German and other armies, with the consent of the Army Council. About 1901, a design, based on a different principle, was put forward by Mr. Cody, for which he has received the remuneration mentioned.
§ Colonel BURNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of the Baden-Powell war kite is about one-third of that of the Cody kite; and is it not advisable that the War Office should take that into consideration when equipping the Army or when giving prizes for the best inventions?
§ Colonel SEELYThe whole matter was carefully considered. Both sets of kites were fully considered by the best experts available, who came to the conclusion that Mr. Cody's was the better.