§ 10. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Secretary of State for War whether young officers entering the Army are made aware of Army Order 304 of 1924, under which they may be called upon to fly; and whether he will consider the desirability of relaxing this rule, so that those officers who feel that they are con- 1663 stitutionally unfitted for flying may be released from doing so?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir; their attention is not specifically drawn to this Regulation, which forms part of the standing orders of the Army. As regards the second part of the question, no Army officer is called upon to fly as a pilot unless he volunteers for such duty. Officers who are called upon to fly as passengers or for reconnaissance purposes and who prove themselves unfitted for this work would be released from the duty.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes the hon. Gentleman deny that officers in the Army who did not want to fly have not been compelled to fly?
§ Mr. COOPERNot as pilots. As passengers, certainly.
§ Sir R. THOMASBut even as passengers. May I ask the hon. Gentleman why Army officers should be compelled to fly even as passengers?
§ Mr. COOPERI can hardly believe that any Army officer would be afraid to go up in an aeroplane.
§ Mr. HANNONHas my hon. Friend had one single complaint from any officer serving in the Army on the point raised by the hon. Gentleman opposite?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Navy only volunteers are taken for flying service with the very excellent result that they get all the men they want, and that the men are very willing?
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Lieut. Scott, of the Essex Regiment, who recently lost his life, objected to flying and was compelled to do so as a passenger?
§ Mr. COOPERI was not aware of that fact.
§ Sir R. THOMASWell, the right hon. Gentleman, the Secretary of State has had information from the deceased gallant officer's mother on the subject.
§ 12. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and men of the Army who may be required to fly in aeroplanes have any option as to whether or not they undertake such duty?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir.