§ 90. Mr. RAPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the entire cessation of flying at training stations is due to scarcity of skilled mechanics owing to demobilisation; and whether flying officers and cadets who have already passed through the technical schools of aeronautics can themselves keep a sufficient number of aeroplanes in flying condition to enable instructional flying to be continued so as to train a number of men for an Air Force Reserve?
§ Major - General SEELYScarcity of trained mechanics was one reason for the discontinuance of training, but more weighty reasons were the need for economy and the fact that there are available sufficient trained pilots to meet all probable requirements until the output of pilots commences under arrangements for the Royal Air Force after the War. Flying officers are assisting as necessary in keeping machines in flying condition.