§ 44. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether personnel trained in all branches of observation balloon work are still on the active list; if so, how many, both as to officers and other ranks; whether any steps are being taken to keep them in training in this branch; whether research is still proceeding to perfect this arm; how soon, after an outbreak of war, could a full complement, consistent with artillery demands, be put into the field; and what is the establishment in this direction per military command?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the first, third and fourth parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, fifth and last parts of the question, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the proposed war complements of these units or the time which would elapse after the outbreak of war before they could be put in the field, but it can be stated that the existing arrangements and provision in peace time are considered adequate to meet prospective war requirements.