HC Deb 03 April 1917 vol 92 cc1098-9
5. Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many commissioned officers of the Royal Flying Corps are at present attached to Adastral House or the Hotel Cecil; and how many of these are certified pilots?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The number of commissioned officers of the Royal Flying Corps at present attached to Adastral House and the Hotel Cecil is 207, of whom twenty-nine are certified pilots.

Mr. BILLING

In view of the great pressure at the front to get certified pilots, and in view of the sending out of partially-trained men, will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of sending out some of these certified men?

28. Mr. BILLING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state how many commissioned officers of the Royal Naval Air Service are at present attached to the Hotel Cecil or the Admiralty; and how many of these are certified pilots?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Two hundred and nine commissioned officers connected with the Royal Naval Air Service are at present attached to the Royal Naval Air Department at the Hotel Cecil and the Admiralty, of whom thirty-eight have qualified as pilots, including the Fifth Sea Lord.

31. Mr. BILLING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the certificated pilots in the Royal Naval Air Service are on active service?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Approximately 84 per cent. of the trained pilots borne are on active service at home and abroad.