HC Deb 22 April 1920 vol 128 cc549-50
52. Colonel LOWTHER

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the statement made on Thursday last by the Secretary of State for War to the effect that over 12,000 war planes were still in the possession of the Germans, whether any date has been specified for their surrender; and, if so, what date and how many?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The points raised are already answered, so far as I am in a position to answer them, by the statement which I made on the 15th instant in reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Battersea (South) and in my supplementary answers on that occasion. I am not in a position to add anything further.

Colonel LOWTHER

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House what excuse is put forward by the German Government for the non-delivery of over 12,000 war planes

Mr. BILLING

Is it a fact that there are still 12,000 war planes in Germany?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir; but the aerial material is being handed over and the question of its destination is in the hands of the Allied Council.

Colonel LOWTHER

Is not all this paraphernalia of war, and is there anything so easy to hand over as war planes?

Mr. CHURCHILL

They are being handed over and their destruction is now being taken in hand.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Why do you want to destroy them?