HC Deb 12 April 1922 vol 153 cc390-1
15. Rear-Admiral SUETER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that the Air Ministry have provided for the requirements of the Navy suitable machines for flying on and off the decks of the aircraft carriers, and whether a sufficient number of machines have been ordered by the Air Ministry to meet all reasonable naval requirements?

Mr. AMERY

The problem of flying aircraft from and on to carriers is still in its infancy. Consequently, of the aircraft supplied up to the present by the Air Ministry, some types have been more successful than others. So far as the larger types are concerned, the matter is still in the experimental stage, but it is hoped that the new machines now under construction by the Air Ministry will prove suitable. With regard to the second part of the question, the provision of aircraft to meet naval needs which was originally agreed on between the two Departments for this financial year, has recently been considerably reduced as the result of the further economies required of the Air Ministry by His Majesty's Government.

Captain Viscount CURZON

Will the Navy secure enough aeroplanes for the carriers now under construction?

Mr. AMERY

That would come into the Estimates for subsequent years.