§ 24. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are now enough pilots and observers in the Royal Flying Corps to enable those at the front to be sent home for at least a month's rest after every two or three months' flying?
§ Mr. TENNANTArrangements are made whereby officers requiring rest are sent home when necessary.
§ 25. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the flying pay of officers in the Royal Flying Corps is often much in arrear; and whether he will take steps to accelerate such payment?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I am not aware of any delay in the issue of flying pay, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case inquiries will be made.
§ 27. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Germans constantly use non-commissioned officers as pilots in their flying corps; and whether it is proposed to utilise some of our best mechanics in that capacity and so save some of our officers for observation purposes?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second that what is suggested is already being done.
§ 28. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men joining the Royal Flying Corps in England are allowed to learn flying at once, but at the front have to do three to four months' observation before they are allowed to come home and take their flying ticket, and whether in that case their seniority should rank from the date of joining in France?
§ Mr. TENNANTSeniority is not affected by the date of appointment to the Royal Flying Corps. The question asked does not, therefore, arise.