§ 13. Mr. AMERYasked if the Secretary of State for War can give the approximate expenditure in France and in Germany, respectively, for each of the five years 1908–9, 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12, and 1912–13 on aircraft and other expenses incidental thereto, and distinguishing where possible between expenditure in connection with aeroplanes and dirigibles, and capital and recurrent expenditure?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)I find it impossible to give the figures for which the hon. Member asks, as in the case of Germany the money devoted to this service is not separately voted in the Budgets; and as regards France the information available does not distinguish between capital and recurrent expenditure, nor, except in 1913, between dirigibles and aeroplanes.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the total expenditure, if he cannot distinguish between the items?
§ 14. Mr. AMERYasked what has been the total expenditure out of public moneys for each of the five years 1908–9, 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–2, 1912–13, on aircraft and all other expenses incidental thereto, distinguishing, so far as possible, capital and recurrent expenditure and giving separately each main class of expenditure, and, in particular, Royal Aircraft Factory, land other than for the factory, aeroplanes, dirigibles, sheds, repairing outfit, material for repairs, pay for staff, headquarters staff, other supervisory staff, flying staff, mechanical staff at factory, and mechanical staff engaged on repairs and similar work other than at the factory?
§ Mr. BAKERThe accounts do not give the information asked for, and the labour 1853 required to produce it would be so great that I cannot undertake to grant the hon. Member's request.