HC Deb 05 November 1930 vol 244 cc841-2
27. Major ROSS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many vessels of the British and United States Navies, other than aircraft carriers, are capable of flying off aircraft and are at present fitted with suitable contrivances for this purpose?

Mr. ALEXANDER

Twenty-one British ships are equipped with flying-off facilities. Of these, five are equipped with catapults and 16 with flying-off platforms for light aircraft. The latter are regarded as obsolescent and steps are being taken to increase the number of ships fitted with catapults. Thirty-three United States warships are fitted with catapults suitable for launching aircraft, namely, 18 battleships, three of which will be scrapped under the London Treaty, and 15 cruisers.

Major ROSS

Is the right hon. Gentleman making every effort to bring the British Navy up to date as regards modern requirements for flying-off aircraft?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I have said that we are trying to replace obsolescent flying-off decks on 16 ships by catapult arrangements, which might have been done long ago under the last Government.

Major ROSS

Whether it be the right hon. Gentleman's fault or anybody else's, is he aware that we shall be rather behind the standard of other nations?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman must lay that charge to his own colleagues.