48. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake that no disintegration of the Air Service shall be sanctioned until the House of Commons has approved of the same by a direct vote?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Bonar Law)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to him on Monday last in reply to a supplementary question on this subject.
Captain BENNDoes not the Prime Minister realise the importance of making no vital change, such as this is, in the administration of the Air Service, without getting the direct assent of the House of Commons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir. I feel that it is a subject on which the House of Commons ought to have an opportunity of expressing its opinion; but there is just the possibility that the Committee may report when the House is not sitting, and I do not wish to be under an obligation to present it to the House of Commons.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the naval demand only affects 5 per cent. of the Air Force, and can he break down the dog-in-the-manger attitude of the Air Force?