HC Deb 12 March 1923 vol 161 cc1038-40
89. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many fighting and bombing air squadrons, respectively, are now left in commission in Great Britain; how many fighting and bombing air squadrons, respectively, are now left in commission in France; how many such squadrons can be mobilised within each of these countries in the period of one month if it be assumed that existing extraneous commitments must be maintained; and how many machines comprise a British and French squadron, respectively?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Samuel Hoare)

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I propose to deal with the first two parts of this question in my speech introducing the Air Estimates on Wednesday next.

As regards the third part of the question, it is not considered desirable in the public interests to give this information so far as it concerns Great Britain, and, so far as it concerns France, no definite information is available.

As regards the last part of the question, British squadrons consist of 12 aeroplanes, except twin-engined bombers, which consist of 10; French squadrons consist of 10 aeroplanes, except night bombers, which consist of eight.

Mr. MOSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both the other fighting services continually give analagous figures of a comparative nature, and is not the public entitled to know what our standard of aerial defence is?

Sir S. HOARE

I am perfectly willing to give the hon. Member comparative figures, but I have not got the French figures here to-day, and it is on this account that I suggested that I should give them on Wednesday next.

Mr. MOSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman then give the exact comparative figures of the number of squadrons which can he mobilised in Great Britain and in France, showing the relative strength of the two countries for defensive purposes, as the Navy continually give such figures?

Sir S. HOARE

I will consider that specific question, but I hope to deal with a number of statistics of this kind on the Air Estimates on Wednesday next.

Mr. MOSLEY

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the gravest public apprehension on this question and that the public expect some reply?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes.