§ 24. Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the suggestion that in future a civilian pilot s certificate shall be obtainable only under the same conditions as are laid down for Air Force pilots, thus ensuring that by obtaining a knowledge of machinery, gunnery and aerial manœuvres these pilots will automatically form part of the reserve of the Royal Air Force and thus obviate delay or shortage of trained fighting pilots in time of emergency?
§ Major TRYONI have been asked to reply to this question. The necessary machinery for training civil pilots in gunnery or air pilotage does not at present exist, nor is the necessity for setting up special machinery to create a reserve of the character indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend an urgent matter at present, in view of the large numbers of fully trained pilots who have been demobilised. The effect upon transport firms of withdrawing their pilots for more or less lengthy periods has also to be taken into account. The question, however, is not being lost sight of.