§ 16. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement as to the amount of actual flying that has been carried out by the Royal Air Force units attached to the Royal Navy during the past year?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Samuel Hoare)Although it is not desirable in the public interests to give information in detail on this subject, I may say that Royal Air Force units have carried out a large number of exercises in co-operation with the Fleet during the last 12 months, working both from carrier and from shore bases. I may mention, by way of example, the work of the Fleet reconnaissance squadron in His Majesty's Ship "Argus," which accompanies the Atlantic Fleet on their spring cruise; also the torpedo attacks and bombing and machine gun trials against ships of the Royal Navy, which were carried out last July and August. In addition, a great deal of experimental work has been done, and I would refer, in particular, to the cruise of a development flight of flying boats which was undertaken last autumn in conjunction with His Majesty's Ship "Ark Royal," and from which valuable lessons have been learnt.
§ Viscount CURZONHas practice also taken place in flying off turrets and off platforms?
§ Sir S. HOAREI must have notice of that question. I am hot sure off-hand.