§ 10. Mr. YERBURGHasked whether any conclusion has been arrived at by His Majesty's Government as to a standard of strength in aircraft to be maintained by this country as compared with foreign Powers?
§ Colonel SEELYIt would hardly appear possible to give an adequate reply to this question within the limits of a Parliamentary answer. Statements on the subject will be made in the course of the Debates on the Estimates.
§ 11. Mr. YERBURGHasked how many effective completed airships and aeroplanes are possessed by Great Britain, Germany, France, and Russia, respectively?
§ Colonel SEELYI will make a full statement on this subject on introducing Army Estimates.
§ 12. Mr. YERBURGHasked whether serious delays have taken place in the fulfilment of orders placed by the War Department with British manufacturers of aircraft; what steps he proposes to take to accelerate the construction of these machines; and whether given periods of time may be fixed to determine the limits of construction for dirigibles and aeroplanes?
§ Colonel SEELYThere have been serious delays on some orders; the experience gained by the contractors in those instances should tend to obviate delay on further orders given to them, and more firms are being encouraged to build to our requirements. It is not considered practicable at present to fix any time limit to govern construction of dirigibles and aeroplanes under War Department contracts in view of the very varied conditions which have to be taken into account.
§ 13. Mr. YERBURGHasked how many airships and aeroplanes have been ordered by the War Department since the 31st March, 1912; what number have been completed; and what the strength of this country would be in aircraft if orders had been executed in accordance with contracts?
§ Colonel SEELYI hope to make a full statement on this subject next week.
§ 33. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether airships travelling at a height of over 3,500 feet can be identified or attacked; and what steps the Government proposes to take to enforce the regulations recently issued under his authority?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The answer to the first point depends on the state of the weather. In normal weather the form and type of the airship could in most cases be sufficiently distinguished for purposes of identification. Where the regulations are contravened, the police will deal in ordinary course with the offence, if the airship lands. Airships which do not land when signalled to do so will be dealt with by the military authorities.
§ Mr. McKENNAIf they land they will be dealt with by the police. If they fail to land, it is a matter upon which the hon. Gentleman should address his question to the military authorities.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman think these regulations are really a serious proposition in the existing circumstances?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; most serious.
§ 4. Mr. YERBURGHasked the right hon. Gentleman whether serious delays have taken place in the fulfilment of orders placed by the Admiralty with British manufacturers of aircraft; what steps he proposes to take to accelerate the construction of these machines; and whether given periods of time may be fixed to determine the limits of construction for dirigibles and aeroplanes?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAircraft for naval purposes are at present in an experimental stage of development and there have been a good many delays in manufacture due to this cause. In proportion as naval requirements become settled, rapidity of manufacture will become practicable. As regards the last part of the question, it would not be reasonable in Present circumstances to make contracts unduly strict in respect of the time allowed for construction.
§ 5. Mr. YERBURGHasked how many airships and aeroplanes have been ordered by the Admiralty since the 31st March, 1912; what number have been completed; and what the strength of this country would be in aircraft if orders had been executed in accordance with contracts?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy right hon. Friend proposes to deal with this subject as fully as the public interests allow when he presents the Naval Estimates to the House on the 26th instant.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister what is the number of national aircraft available for war purposes in Great Britain and Germany, respectively; and whether the Government propose to increase the existing number of British aircraft during the current year?
§ Colonel SEELYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I will make a full statement on this subject on introducing Army Estimates.
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)Next week.