HC Deb 08 July 1913 vol 55 cc205-6
27. Mr. WING

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department is in possession of eighty aeroplanes capable of flying 50 miles per hour at a height of 3,000 feet; and will he say whether any Member of this House has had the opportunity of verifying the above number of aeroplanes, their speed, and height of flying?

Colonel SEELY

The answer to this question is in the affirmative.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not a fact that aeroplanes which are only capable of flying fifty miles an hour would be very little use in time of war?

Mr. WING

Has any Member of this House been invited to see these aeroplanes, and, if so, whom?

Colonel SEELY

I invited two hon. Members, and I invite all hon. Members of this House to see them if they can be seen without detriment to the public interest. I have not yet seen the report. With regard to the other question that does not arise out of the question on the Paper, which has reference to the number.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman told us that some of the aeroplanes are too slow to be of use in time of war?

Colonel SEELY

That has nothing to do with the question of the number.

Mr. WING

Has the hon. Member for Brentford (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) seen these aeroplanes?

Colonel SEELY

I understand that the hon. Member has seen some of them, but I do not know whether he has yet completed his tour.

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