31. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of aero-planes possessed by the Air Force, and the number of these that were built prior to January, 1919, and in each of the years ending January, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924. 1925, 1926. and 1927, respectively?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The present first line strength of the Air Force is approximately 750 machines; none of these was built before 1919. It would not be in the public interest to give the other information requested.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWhy is there this secrecy with regard to aeroplanes when there is no secrecy with regard to ships and other things in other Departments?
§ Sir P. SASSOONOther Governments do not give this information.