HC Deb 12 July 1922 vol 156 cc1201-2
11. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give any in formation to illustrate the work carried out by the wing of the Royal Air Force operating with the Royal Navy since 1st January, 1922?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)

Aircraft have taken part in various exercises carried out by the Fleet this year, whenever the weather has permitted of them doing so. Their work has consisted mainly of reconnaissance, the exercise of torpedo plane attacks and spotting. In addition a certain amount of experimental work has been carried out.

Viscount CURZON

Are the Admiralty satisfied with the amount of work performed?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, in view of the financial limitations to which all our work is subject.

12. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many aeroplanes, pilots, and observers are now available for working with the Royal Navy for reconnaissance, fighting, torpedo carrying, bomb dropping, and observation, respectively; and how many are actually required to bring all aircraft carriers and ships fitted with flying platforms up to full establishment?

Mr. AMERY

The aircraft (apart from reserves) allotted for working with the Fleet from ships and carriers are as follow:

  • 18 reconnaissance planes.
  • 6 fighters.
  • 12 torpedo planes.
  • 18 spotting planes.
The personnel available is sufficient to man these aircraft. It is not in the public interest to give the information asked for in the second part of the question.

Viscount CURZON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Navy is sufficiently prepared for war in the air with only 12 torpedo planes allotted to it?

Sir R. HALL

Are the personnel of the naval wing trained at sea or on shore?

Mr. AMERY

I must ask for notice of that question.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the practice of fitting every light cruiser with one fighter been departed from, or are they still able to carry them and the machines are available?

Mr. AMERY

I gave information the other day of the number of ships which are fitted to carry aeroplanes.

Viscount CURZON

Do the Admiralty really consider that these six fighting planes arc sufficient for the requirements of the Fleet?