§ 47. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether, as a matter of policy, he will instruct naval and military authorities to release for service in the Royal Flying Corps or Royal Naval Air Service every man under twenty-five years of age who is peculiarly fitted for, and desirous of, becoming a pilot or, alternatively, if he will instruct the naval and military authorities to encourage suitable volunteers for the Air Service by at least registering their names?
§ Major BAIRDI have been asked to answer this question. The provision of pilots in numbers sufficient for manning the increasing supply of aircraft is a question for the naval and military authorities, who are responsible for the recruitment and training of personnel. There is at present no difficulty in obtaining suitable volunteers for the Air Services and there is no lack of encouragement.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that we have all the pilots we require, and that there is no desire for adding to their numbers?
§ Major BAIRDThe hon. Member had better understand exactly what the answer says.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask this question of the Prime Minister? It is a question of policy and not a question of detail for little understrappers to answer.