HC Deb 16 November 1917 vol 99 cc739-826

As amended, considered.

Mr. SPEAKER

I have some doubt as to the first New Clause, standing in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Rutland (Colonel Gretton)—(Air Council not to Order or Conduct Warlike Operations). That is the very object of the Bill I should think, and this seems to be a negative of the whole Bill.

Colonel GRETTON

On a point of Order. The matter has been raised and .discussed on previous occasions. As no doubt you are aware, the Air Council has many functions, and it may be—and, as I understand, probably is—intended that, under certain circumstances, it will undertake warlike operations. I therefore submit it is in order. It is to transfer what the Air Board is doing to the Air Council, with increased powers, and the question is in what direction those powers are to be increased.

Mr. SPEAKER

I should like to hear what the hon. and gallant Member says, but it is very doubtful.

    cc739-41
  1. NEW CLAUSE.—(Air Council not to Order or Conduct Warlike Operations.) 884 words
    2. cc741-7
  2. CLAUSE 1.—(Raising and Number of Air Force.) 2,263 words
    3. cc747-9
  3. CLAUSE 2.—(Government, Discipline and Pay of Air Force.) 725 words, 1 division
    4. cc749-78
  4. CLAUSE 3.—(Transfer and Attaching to Air Force of Members of Naval and Military Forces.) 12,518 words
    5. cc779-84
  5. CLAUSE 6.—(Air Force Reserve and Auxiliary Force.) 2,334 words
    6. cc784-812
  6. CLAUSE 8.—(Establishment of Air Council.) 11,700 words, 1 division
    7. cc812-26
  7. CLAUSE 11.—(Provisions as to Sitting in Parliament.) 4,839 words, 1 division