§ 14. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONasked the Secretary of State for Air if any naval officers have been seconded to the Air Force during the last 12 months for training as pilots; and whether any difficulty has been experienced in getting naval officers for flying training?
The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Captain Guest)Seven naval officers were seconded to the Royal Air Force in 1920, since which date no others have been seconded, in spite of the earnest desire of the Air Ministry to secure volunteers.
§ Captain Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman correct in using the expression "seconded"? Is he aware that the Navy have no power to second officers, and is he aware that the officers themselves have a great disinclination to serve in another Service at a critical time of their career?
§ Viscount CURZONI put a specific question to the right hon. Gentleman. Is he correct in saying that these officers were "seconded'? Would it not be correct to say that the officers volunteered, and were not seconded?
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLIn view of the importance attached to this matter by the Admiralty, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a certificate of aviation has been made one of the qualifications for promotion in the Navy?