HC Deb 21 March 1923 vol 161 cc2531-2
19. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that seaplanes of a new type have been built and commissioned by the Air Ministry for service with the Air arm of the Fleet; whether the Admiralty were consulted as to the details of the design and specification; and how many sea planes are now serving with the Royal Navy?

Mr. AMERY

The Admiralty are aware that seaplanes of a new type have been built and that trials are being carried out. These seaplanes are at present being used for experimental purposes, and they are not, therefore, allocated for service with the Air arm of the Fleet. The Admiralty is consulted in regard to development, but not in regard to details of design and specification, which are laid down by the Air Ministry. The seaplanes now supplied for operation with the Navy consist of 12 float-planes and 10 flying boats.

Viscount CURZON

Is it the practice of the Air Ministry to consult with the Admiralty in regard to the design of seaplanes?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. They consult with the Admiralty as regards general development, and work out the details themselves.

20. Viscount CURZON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many planes of the following types are allocated to the branch of the Royal Air Force operating with the Navy; fighters, bombers, reconnaissance, and torpedo planes?

Mr. AMERY

The numbers of aircraft allocated for operations with the Navy are

  • Fighters—Six.
  • Bombers—Nil.
  • Reconnaissance—Eighteen (including six float planes).
  • Spotting planes—Eighteen (including six float planes).
  • Torpedo planes—Twelve.
I understand from the Air Ministry that there are also in the first line reserve, which is kept at the unit's base, machines to the number of 50 per cent. of the unit's strength in the case of units in Home waters, and 100 per cent. in the case of units abroad.

The above figures do not include flying boats or experimental craft, and do not take into account increases provided for in the Estimates for 1923–24.

Viscount CURZON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Navy is up to a one-Power standard when it has only six fighters and no bombers whatever?

Mr. AMERY

That is being fully considered by a Committee.

Captain BRASS

May I ask who pays for these machines? Do they appear in the Estimates for the Air Force or for the Navy?

Mr. AMERY

They come on the Air Force Estimates.