§ 81. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air why there are only two air attachés accredited to foreign Courts as compared to seven naval attachés and assistant attachés and 18 military attachés and assistant attachés; to which Courts they are accredited; and what duties they perform; and whether he has made or is making any effort to have the number of air attachés increased?
§ Sir S. HOAREFor reasons of economy representation by air attachés has been restricted to those countries whose aeronautical development is most advanced, namely, France and the United States of America. The question has, however, recently been reviewed and it is at present under consideration, but not yet finally decided, to appoint air attachés to two other countries where such representation is thought likely to be advantageous.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman pressed on the Government the need for a re-distribution in order to have, without any extra expense, more air attachés and fewer military attachés, in view of the development of aerial transport?
§ Sir S. HOAREWe have been considering the question recently as it affects the three services, and the latter part of my answer refers to the arrangement which we hope to bring into operation in the near future.
§ Captain Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the lack of air attachés in South America, the Germans have been able to pretty well capture all the aviation facilities in the whole of that Continent?
§ Sir S. HOAREI may tell the Noble Lord that it is with reference to South America we have been recently reviewing the whole question.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHow many air attachés are detailed by France to other countries?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot answer that question without notice.