§ 11. Captain Viscount CURZONasked 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 CURZONAre the Admiralty satisfied with the amount of work performed?
§ 12. Viscount CURZONasked 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. AMERYThe aircraft (apart from reserves) allotted for working with the Fleet from ships and carriers are as follow:
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.
- 18 reconnaissance planes.
- 6 fighters.
- 12 torpedo planes.
- 18 spotting planes.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the Navy is sufficiently prepared for war in the air with only 12 torpedo planes allotted to it?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas 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. AMERYI gave information the other day of the number of ships which are fitted to carry aeroplanes.
§ Viscount CURZONDo the Admiralty really consider that these six fighting planes arc sufficient for the requirements of the Fleet?