HC Deb 06 August 1919 vol 119 c354
48. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prim Minister for what purpose the Air Department of the Admiralty is maintained?

Mr. LONG

I have been asked to answer this question. I would repeat the reply which I gave on the 31st July to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Twickenham Division, that there is no Air Department at the Admiralty. There is an Air Division of the Naval Staff, which advises as to air operations affecting Royal Air Force units working with the Fleet. This division is manned by Royal Air Force officers lent by the Air Ministry. I might add that this arrangement was made to meet war conditions, and the question of the best means of securing the necessary close co-operation in peace-time is at present being considered by the two Departments.