§ 67. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can state the increased amount voted for the Air Service by the French Government since the Prime Minister's recent statement in the House to the effect that the Government had decided to strengthen our Air Service; and whether he can state the extent to which the increased amount voted by the French Government will strengthen their Air Forces?
§ Sir S. HOARECertain alterations, amounting in all to an addition of 65½ million francs, were made to the Air Section of the French Budget during the passage of the Estimates. There is no indication that this increased provision had any connection with the announcement of the British Government's Air policy made in this House on the 26th June. It is not possible at this stage to estimate the precise effect that this addition will have on the French Air establishments, but I understand that the greater part, about 50 million francs, is voted for the purchase of aeronautical material for the fighting services.
§ Sir S. HOAREI must ask for notice of that question. The French Estimate is very complicated, and without careful analysis it is very difficult to answer the hon. and gallant Member's question.