HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 cc1094-5
32. Mr. BILLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War to state what type of machine the late Captain Keevil, Royal Flying Corps, was flying when he was recently killed in this country; whether he was flying under peace or war conditions; if any inquiry has been made into the circumstances; and, if so, what were the findings of that inquiry?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the AIR BOARD (Major Baird)

Captain Keevil was killed when flying under war conditions. It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the other parts of the question.

Mr. BILLING

Was this man flying under war conditions with a machine which was not suited to war conditions?

Major BAIRD

That is quite inaccurate, and it is not in the public interest that I should say anything further about the matter.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks whether an inquiry-has been held?

Major BAIRD

I said I had nothing to add.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the House of Commons not entitled to an answer to the simple question—I do not ask the result—whether an inquiry has been held?

Major BAIRD

Of course, we cannot make an official inquiry into the case of every man killed at the front.

Mr. BILLING

I should like to say—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] I will raise this matter on the first opportunity, and state the kind of machine and the conditions under which this occurred.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is entitled to give notice, but not to make observations.