§ 14. Mr. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with 1484 the supply of pilots; and whether, in view. of the growing demands of the Air Service, he will consider the claims of our public schools as nurseries for the future supply?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am advised that the supply of pilots is at present satisfactory. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the hon. Gentleman mean to say that they are quite satisfied with the numbers that they get?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am advised that the supply of pilots at present is satisfactory.
§ Mr. WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the extraordinary difficulty of getting a transfer from the class of observers into the class of pilots, and ought that to be so?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is obvious that there must be some difficulty in a highly technical occupation such as observing pilots.
§ The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. PETO:
§ 21. To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the meteorological and geographical advantages of Egypt have been considered for training pilots for the Air Service; and whether he proposes to establish aerodromes there before the coming winter?
§ Mr. PETOBefore putting this question, I would like to ask whether the hon. Gentleman can give us any idea when the Secretary of State for War is likely to answer questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of this question.
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.