§ 93. Colonel C. LOWTHERasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air 2159 Ministry whether aircraft known as R.E. 8 are still used on the Western Front; and whether this particular type of machine has been condemned as dangerously inadequate when compared to German aircraft now in use?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE to the AIR MINISTRY (Major Baird)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the latter in the negative.
§ Colonel LOWTHERIs it not a fact that every expert and every pilot are unanimous in condemning this type of machine as a death-trap?
§ Major BAIRDNo, Sir.
§ Colonel LOWTHERIf I give my hon. and gallant Friend the names of experts who do condemn this type of machine as a death-trap, will he look into the matter?
§ Major BAIRDOne or two people condemning it would not be sufficient. This is a matter which has been very carefully gone into. This machine has been used for a very long time with great success. I am afraid that my hon. Friend has been misinformed.
§ Colonel LOWTHERCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the name of one expert who does approve of this type of machine?
§ Major BAIRDCertainly — General Trenchard.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSHave orders been given during the last four months for a further supply of these not altogether satisfactory machines, instead of very much better machines of which my hon. and gallant Friend knows?
§ Major BAIRDThis is not a matter for discussion by question and answer. The squadrons have to be kept up to strength, and it is impossible to put in new machines and at the same time to produce the total force.
§ Colonel LOWTHERAre they making more of these particular machines?
§ Major BAIRDThey are making machines of this kind to keep up the squadron strength.
§ Colonel LOWTHERWhy not make Bristol fighters?