§ 41. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Air what are the comparative figures for the British Air Force and the largest air force possessed 1787 by any Power on the Continent of Europe in regard to the number of machines, number of men, and total horse-power of engines?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe present approximate first line strength of the Royal Air Force is 750 aircraft, of which 270 are in squadrons stationed abroad. The total personnel of the force is 29,985. The present strength of the French Air Services, according to my latest information, is about 1,350 first line aircraft, of which some 280 are in units abroad. It is not practicable to give the number of personnel engaged in air duties in France, since large numbers of those so employed belong to the Army and Navy; nor can any useful comparative figures be given for horse-power of the engines.