§ 56. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he would give the names of the officers of the Royal Flying Corps to whom he charges the hon. Member for Brentford with writing asking for information and the dates of his letters?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)I have communicated with the officers concerned, and they ask that their names should not be given. I propose to respect their wishes.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I say that as the hon. Member has made a charge against me of communicating with these officers, and as he declines to give the names, I shall ask permission of the House either on Monday or another convenient date to make a personal explanation on the matter?
§ 57. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the charges made by the hon. Member for Brentford against the organisation of the Royal Flying Corps on the 24th March last and of his request for an inquiry; whether his attention has been called to his predecessor's undertaking to make a full statement and a definite statement as to the request for an inquiry; and whether, in the interests of the safety of the flying officers, he will consider the advisability of making such statement without further delay?
§ The PRIME MINISTERArrangements could be made, if desired, for an Army Vote to be put down for discussion at an early date. I need not add that considerations of safety engage the special attention of the War Office at all times.
§ 61. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War how many engines were entered for the aero-engine test at the Royal Aircraft Factory; how many have begun their test; and how many have broken down?
§ Mr. H. BAKERFifty-three engines were originally entered for the competition, and twenty-eight were delivered to undergo the tests. I do not think it would be proper to give any information about the behaviour of engines until the tests are completed.
§ 62. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Inspection Department of the Royal Flying Corps is yet fully manned; and whether Regulations have yet been issued as to its duties?
§ Mr. H. BAKERThe establishment of the Inspection Department has recently been increased, and is being filled up as trained inspectors and examiners become available. The answer to the second part of the question is, yes.