§ 39. Viscount CURZONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement or give any figures to show the work actually carried out by the Naval Wing of the Royal Air Force during the past 12 months?
The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Captain Guest)Beyond stating that I an satisfied with the progress which has been made in the development of aircraft co-operation with the Navy during the past 12 months, I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to make any detailed statement of the work performed, or to give any figures of the flights carried out.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the discussion on the Air Force Estimates he failed to give any item of information relating to the work of the Naval Air Service, and a wide impression exists that the power provided by the Air Ministry is not adequate for the work which that service has to do?
Captain GUESTThe "wide impression" is largely created by my Noble Friend. Next year I will do my best to make up for it.
47. Mr. L. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that it is increasingly possible to substitute air forces for naval or military forces and thereby effect considerable economies, he will reconsider his decision and place the Air Minister on a footing in the Cabinet where air propositions will not be overruled by naval and military arguments put forward without a proper consideration of the air side of the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)I have nothing to add to my answer of the 22nd June. I do not accept the allegation in the last part of the hon. Member's question.