§ 52. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Prime Minister if he will say what position in the Air Service is to be occupied by Sir Hugh Trenchard; and what are the duties of that position?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE to the AIR MINISTRY (Major Baird)My right hon. Friend is giving this matter his closest attention, but he is not yet in a position to authorise me to make a definite statement on this subject. He is engaged in reviewing the whole position of the Air Force, with the object of deciding what post will give the best scope for the utilisation of General Tranchard's great qualities. My hon. Friend will easily appreciate that a decision of this importance ought not to be rushed.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLMay we take that as an assurance that this case will not be put off as the case of Viscount Jellicoe?
§ Major BAIRDI really think it is not a very fair thing to say about my right hon. Friend who has just taken office that the answer that I have given is not absolutely correct. He has only just taken over the office of this brand new force, and he must make himself conversant with it before he can be called upon to give a decision.
§ Mr. P. A. HARRISIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister, as recently as Monday, stated that the new Minister had already considered a proposal which was acceptable to General Trenchard?
§ Major BAIRDIf my hon. Friend will refer to the speech, he will find that was not the expression which was used. The facts are exactly as I have stated them. There is every intention to make use of General Trenchard's services.
§ Major HUNTHas any position been found for Sir David Henderson in view of 1711 the fact that he was so very much liked by all the men and officers in the Air Force?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs it not a fact that it will be necessary to invent or create some new position for General Trenchard?
§ Major BAIRDNo, decidedly not! Neither the Secretary of State nor General Trenchard would consent to any course of that kind.