HC Deb 09 December 1925 vol 189 cc448-9
63. Colonel GRETTON

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is now able to give the number of machines in the Air Force efficient and immediately ready to fly on emergency under war conditions both at home and stationed abroad?

Sir P. SASSOON

The first line strength of the regular squadrons of the Royal Air Force at the present time at home and abroad is approximately 650 machines. This figure, like that which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend in reply to his previous question on the 2nd instant, excludes the establishment of 58 first line machines on the strength of auxiliary and special reserve squadrons. This establishment is now in course of being completed, and these 58 machines, though not immediately ready for flying under war conditions, could then be made available on emergency at very short notice. Machines on the strength of training, experimental and research units are also excluded.

Colonel GRETTON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I asked this question last week and the Minister for Air then undertook to give me a reply to the question on the Paper which has not been answered, namely, what is the number of machines of the Air Force efficient and immediately ready to fly on emergency under war conditions? The hon. and gallant Gentleman has given me the establishment, but not the machines ready to fly under war conditions.

Sir P. SASSOON

I think I have answered the question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman. With regard to the machines on the strength of training, experimental and research units, these of course are not equipped for war and therefore do not come within the category mentioned in the question.

Colonel DAY

Do these machines carry parachutes?

Colonel GRETTON

Am I to understand that all the machines on the establishment are efficient and ready to fly under war conditions? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman pledge his word to that effect?

Sir P. SASSOON

I think I have given my hon. and gallant Friend the number of machines that are ready for emergency.

Brigadier-General WARNER

Is it not a fact that a certain percentage is always kept not ready to fly, and that otherwise those machines would be available? They are kept as a reserve to supply the places of machines which have met with accident.

Sir P. SASSOON

Yes, that is so.