HC Deb 31 July 1916 vol 84 c2052
32. Mr. WALTER ROCH

asked the Secretary of State for India how many Army aeroplanes were in India at the outbreak of war?

Major BAIRD

(representing the Air Board): I shall be happy to supply this information to the hon. Member privately, but I do not think that it would be in the interests of the country that the number should be publicly stated.

Mr. PRINGLE

On what ground should it not be publicly stated now, nearly two years after the outbreak of the War?

Major BAIRD

On the ground that it is contrary to the public interests to make any statement in regard to our preparations for war.

    c2052
  1. MESOPOTAMIA AEROPLANE FORCE. 72 words