13. Captain FABERasked the Secretary of State for War whether the responsibility for allowing the aeroplanes that lately led to the deaths of Lieutenants Harrison and Arthur being allowed to fly in their deteriorated condition rests upon the officer commanding the flying wing?
§ Colonel SEELYI cannot admit that these aeroplanes were in a. deteriorated condition as stated in the question. As regards the first accident, the Cody aeroplane had recently been thoroughly overhauled and returned as being in a safe condition for flying. As regards the second accident, the investigation of the question as to who was responsible for the condition of the wing tip which broke has not yet been completed.
§ Colonel SEELYI desire to give the fullest information to the House, but I am very much afraid from the inquiries that we shall not be able to find out how this defect in the Cody aeroplane arose, or who was responsible.
§ Earl WINTERTONAre Reports always furnished to the right hon. Gentleman by competent persons when these accidents take place? If so, will the right hon. Gentlemen cause the Reports to be laid on the Table of the House
§ Colonel SEELYMost careful Reports are furnished to me of every accident. I deprecate the suggestion contained in this and other questions that the officers responsible for seeing that the machines are in a fit condition are not fulfilling their work well. All my information tends to 193 show that our officers are doing their duty admirably, and that our aeroplanes are probably in a better condition than those of any other nation.
Captain FABERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the officers of the Flying Corps hold a totally different view, and that they think that these officers were murdered by carelessness?
§ Colonel SEELYI think that that is a most improper question. I know that the statement made is totally devoid of foundation.