§ Major - General SEELY (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether the Air Policy of the Government in respect to the Air Ministry is the same as it was on 14th November, 1917, when the present Lord Privy Seal stated that the 1902 whole of the Air Service must be independent of either the Admiralty or the Army Council; why the Secretary of State for War is now President, both of the Army Council and the Air Council, and whether the Air Council is now independent of, or dependent on the President of the Army Council?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that my right hon. Friend did not see his way to put notice of this question down on the Paper. Nothing has arisen in the course of the last two days which was not in existence before, and, therefore, notice might have been given. I will, however, do my best to answer, as far as I Can, in the short time at my disposal.
It has already been stated that there is no change whatever in the Air Policy of the Government, which remains the same as it was when my right hon. Friend accepted the position from which, to my regret, he has recently retired.
§ Major-General SEELYMay I ask the Prime Minister how he can say that there is no change in the policy of the Government as announced by the Lord Privy Seal when he said that the Air Ministry must be independent of the Admiralty and the Army Council; further, will he give an opportunity to this House to express its opinion on a change of policy from a decision which was so strongly endorsed by his own colleagues?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Army Council has no control whatever over the Air Force—none. It is perfectly independent of the Army Council.
§ Lord H. CECILNot of the President of the Army Council.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is the Secretary of State for War, who holds both positions. That has been done many times in the history of this country, and it is thought desirable in this case. With regard to the latter part of my right hon. Friend's question, I have already said, in answer to my Noble Friend, that if there is a general desire on the part of the House for a discussion of the subject, the Government will find time—[HON. MEMBERS: "No, no !"]—but I would point out that the pressure of business is very great, and we do not wish to allocate time unless there is a general desire on the part of hon. Members.
§ Lord H. CECILWill the Prime Minister consider whether a few hours or half a day would not be quite sufficient for this purpose; has not recent experience shown that there is often half a day at the disposal of the Government, if they cannot promise a whole day, and could we not have a friendly arrangement that half a day should be assigned, without any inconvenience to the Government, to give the Government an opportunity of explaining to the House the rather metaphysical obscurities which have arisen.