The following questions stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. LYNCH—
31. To ask the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the fact that aeroplanes have shown great possibilities of use, apart from their function of scouting and otherwise acting as adjuncts to the military and naval Forces, he will proceed to develop the aeroplane service as a new arm of the offensive and defensive force of the nation?
32. To ask the Minister of Munitions whether, by creating a department in his office devoted to fostering the production of aeroplanes, by co-ordinating the efforts of all private firms engaged in their manufacture, and by establishing new factories, it would be possible to increase the output to 10,000 within the next six months; and whether he will take the steps necessary to that end?
1461 33. To ask the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the dispatch of Sir John French of 20th November, 1914, referring to aeroplanes and saying that no effort should be spared to increase their numbers, he will speed up the production by selecting standard types for the machines themselves and all the parts in particular and by organising a sufficient number of workshops in regard to this object?
§ Mr. LYNCHWith respect to these three questions, I wish to raise a point of Order. I addressed these questions to the Minister of Munitions, and I have received a reply asking me to address them to the Under-Secretary for War. As this matter falls within the functions of the Minister of Munitions, I want to put live questions to a live man?
§ Mr. TENNANTrose to reply.