HC Deb 09 April 1913 vol 51 cc1159-60
30. Sir SAMUEL SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the First Lord's offer to the Leader of the Opposition to name two hon. Gentlemen to verify certain facts as to the shortage of men in the Navy, he will extend the same invitation to the right hon. Gentlemen with respect to military aeroplanes?

Colonel SEELY

I have already in formed the House of the number of aeroplanes in the possession of the Army. The question of whether this number is adequate has already been discussed, and there will be further opportunities of debate on this point later on this year.

45. Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the Prime Minister whether any French company approached either the Admiralty or the War Office, or both, with a view to establishing a factory in this country, using British material and British labour, for the manufacture of aeroplanes and engines for His Majesty's Government?

Colonel SEELY

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The answer is in the affirmative. The matter is under consideration.

56. Mr. HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement of Captain von Pustau, the German naval aeronautical expert, to the effect that any of the German airships could sail to Ireland to-morrow without a stop, crossing Portsmouth and Plymouth on the way, and return by way of the Orkneys and Edinburgh; and that a fleet of airships under cover of night might not even have been sighted until after it had accomplished the task set it in time of war; and what steps the Government propose to take to guard against this danger?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The statements in question have been noticed, but do not appear to call for any special remark.

Mr. HUNT

Would the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government allow our dockyards and shipyard towns to be exposed to a bombardment from the air without any power of retaliation?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No; not in answer to a question, Sir.

Mr. HUNT

Does not the right hon. Gentleman believe in retaliation then?