§ 37. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a letter, dated the 2nd June, from the Parliamentary Air Committee; and what action the Government proposes to take in regard to the air position?
§ 41. Major-General SEELYasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that our safety in the air shall receive full consideration relatively to our other defensive services?
§ 42. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether the Committee of Im- 1488 perial Defence has considered the adequacy or otherwise of the provision for the air defence of the country; if so, what is their decision; whether the same Committee has considered the adequacy or otherwise of the arrangement made and the provision for aircraft working with the Royal Navy; and, if so, whether the Dominions were represented at such deliberations and if they concur in the conclusion reached?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. I have received the letter in question. Long before this letter was written the attention of the Government had been directed to all the questions of aerial defence and development to which it refers, and a special sub-committee of the. Committee of Imperial Defence had been appointed to consider and report upon the general question which is now before the Committee of Imperial Defence. The arrangements for aircraft working with the Royal Navy is being considered by a separate committee.
Sir W. JOYNSON.HICKSHaving regard to the very great importance which I know my right hon. Friend attaches to this question, may I ask whether there is any possibility of him being able to make a statement in the approximately near future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe letter, I agree, contains some very impressive passages, and the Committee are examining the whole problem very closely. I think it would be a great mistake to be in a hurry to insist upon a report, because there are a good many considerations which must be taken into account.