§ 30. Mr. G. HARVEYasked the Secretary of State for Air how much of the total expenditure on aircraft and engines provided for in the Estimates is to be used on the construction of new aircraft and new engines and how much on the doing up of existing machines and engines; and is it intended that a considerable percentage of the money should be spent on wartime machines?
51. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the sum of £2,888,000, provided in the Air Estimates for 1926–27 for complete machines, represents contemplated expenditure on entirely new aeroplanes and seaplanes; and, if so, will he state what number of machines of each of these classes will be provided for this sum?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major Sir Philip Sassoon)I will answer these questions together, the same considerations being applicable to aircraft and to engines. I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave on 10th March to the hon. Member for Middleton and Prestwich.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the last part of my question—" what number of machines of each of these classes will be provided for this sum "?
§ Sir P. SASSOONForeign Powers do not publish the amount they spend on engines, and it has not been the practice of the Air Ministry to do so either.
41. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Secretary of State for Air how many aeroplanes there are in commission and in reserve in the Royal Air Force?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe present first line strength of aircraft in regular squadrons of the Royal Air Force is 658 machines. In addition, the existing auxiliary and special reserve squadrons have an establishment of 58 first line machines. It would not be in the public interest to state the number of aircraft in reserve.
Captain CROOKSHANKAre we right in assuming that the information that we lave not more then 2,424 is still correct?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI believe that some figure did appear, but I am afraid that I cannot give any more information than I have.