§ 62. Mr. S. CROOKEasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the number of fighting aeroplanes and airships at present in commission and under construction in this country and in France, and the estimated figures under the same headings for the year 1926?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the present strength of the British and French Air Forces, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 19th February, to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull. The Royal Air Force, as my right hon. Friend explained recently to the House, will be increased by seven or eight new squadrons in 2260 1925–26; I have no information as to the probable French increase in the same period. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the number of aeroplanes under construction or on order for the Royal Air Force, and I have no information as to the corresponding figures for the French Air Service. There are no airships at present in commission in England, while the French have one rigid airship and seven non-rigid. It is intended to commence the construction of one airship in England this year, and to continue it in 1926.