HC Deb 11 May 1916 vol 82 cc899-900
47. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister which members of the Judicial Committee on the Air Services are possessed of technical knowledge of aeronautics; and whether he will appoint to that Committee a sufficient number of men of aeronautical experience as will give public confidence in the findings of the Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is or is not his intention to have an aeronautical expert to deal with what is purely and aeronautical matter?

48. Mr. BILLING

asked when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the composition of the Judicial Committee set up to inquire into the Air Services?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir. I have no reason to think there is any general desire for such a discussion.

Mr. BILLING

I wish to answer that, Sir.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to answer. He can only ask a question.

49. Mr. BILLING

asked why, in view of the fact that the criticisms and allegations of the Member for East Herts applied equally to the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, the terms of reference of the Judicial Committee are limited to the Royal Flying Corps; and will the Government so amend the terms of reference as to include the entire service?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have read the speech of my right hon. Friend in which he promised to ask for a judicial inquiry. It is clear that this inquiry was to be made into the relation between the casualties in the Royal Flying Corps and the character of the machines with which the Army pilots had been provided. The charges of murder were made against the Army, not the Navy. In any case, after consulting the First Lord of the Admiralty, I do not propose to extend the scope of the judicial investigation.

Mr. BILLING

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the whole question of the Committee of Inquiry on the first opportunity on the adjournment of the House.