§ The following question stood on the-Paper in the name of Captain BENNETT-GOLDNEY:
§ 47. To ask the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of those concerned, he will now give instructions for the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the efficiency, administration, and economy of the Royal Aircraft Factory to be laid upon the Table of the House; and if he Will now confer with the Secretary of State for War 31 as to the advisability of placing the Royal Aircraft Factory under the direction of the Minister of Munitions, who is already responsible for the supply of all aircraft weapons and ammunition?
§ Captain BENNETT-GOLDNEYIn putting this question, may I say that the Report has now been laid?
§ Major BAIRD(representing the Air Board):I will answer the second part of the question. The suggestion contained in the second part has been considered. The Royal Aircraft Factory is primarily and mainly an experimental establishment. It is consequently essential that it should be in close touch with and under the direct control of the Director-General of Military Aeronautics at the War Office, who is responsible for the development of military aircraft. It is, therefore, not thought advisable to place the factory under the Ministry of Munitions.