§ 72. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary for War whether inquiries have been set on foot amongst the officers of the Royal Flying Corps to find out who 931 supplied information regarding the condition of the machines to the hon. Member for Brentford; and by whom were such inquiries authorised?
Mr. BAKERIn the interests of discipline, certain inquiries have been made as a result of the hon. Member's speech on the 24th ultimo. They were authorised—and I think quite properly—by the Director-General of Military Aeronautics.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAm I to understand that in an important matter affecting the safety of officers of the Army, they are not allowed in this democratic age to communicate with Members of the House of Commons?
Mr. BAKERThat does not arise out of the answer. Inquiries were made because the hon. Gentleman made in this House statements which were very serious, and which, if true, ought to have been reported by the officers to their squadron commanders. It further appears, I very much regret to say, from the inquiry, the hon. Member has been writing and asking officers for information.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWhen is the Secretary of State going to answer the charges that I made and discuss them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
§ 73. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary for War whether he accepts the obligations entered into by his predecessor with this House; and, if so, when he proposes to make a full statement, in answer to the hon. Member for Brentford, regarding the Royal Flying Corps, as promised by his predecessor on the 24th March?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA full statement will be made when an opportunity arises.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman make an early opportunity for a discussion on the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will look into it. It is new to me.
§ Mr. LEEAnd will the right hon. Gentleman look into several other obligations entered into in regard to other subjects?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicated assent.
§ 80. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Royal Flying Corps has recently ordered any German aeroplanes; and, if so, will he say how many, and why?
§ 81. Mr. FELLasked the Secretary of State for War if he has obtained any reports on the Russian aeroplane which is said to carry successfully upwards of sixteen passengers; and if he is sending over any officer to look into the matter on behalf of the War Office?
Mr. BAKERReports have been obtained. It is not intended to send any officer to Russia to inspect this machine.