HC Deb 09 May 1918 vol 105 c2320
55. Sir HENRY NORMAN

asked the Prime Minister if, on 9th April, the late Secretary of State to the Air Ministry submitted a Memorandum to him setting forth the changes he proposed to make in the reorganisation of the Royal Air Force in this country, with the reasons for those changes, and asking assent thereto; if this Memorandum contained nothing of a secret nature except two figures; and, if so, to remove a prevalent misconception and in the interests of the Royal Air Force, will he communicate this Memorandum, omitting any confidential figures, to the House, together with the reply from the War Cabinet conveying approval of the changes proposed and authority to carry them into effect?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the document to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is a confidential Cabinet Paper, it would not be right for me to answer his question.

Sir H. NORMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if he will seek some method of conveying to this House and the public, including the Royal Air Force, at least the outlines of the reorganisation which is proposed, and of which the resignation of General Trenchard was only a part?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a question which I think ought to be addressed to the Air Board as to general information. As to the question on the Paper, I can only say that a document intended for the Cabinet must be for the Cabinet alone.

Mr. BILLING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they are going to employ General Trenchard?

MR. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.