23. Sir RENNELL ROODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether consideration has been given to the advisability of carrying a seaplane on board aircraft carriers which could be held in readiness to proceed to the rescue of the crews of aeroplanes reporting engine or other trouble at sea when at a distance from the parent ship; and, if not, whether he will take this question into consideration?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe suggestion of the right hon. Member has been fully considered with many others, but the Board of Admiralty is satisfied that the present arrangements are the most effective. The matter is under continuous review, and any changes proved to be effective would, of course, be immediately adopted.
§ Sir R. RODDWould it not have been of great assistance in the difficult situation which occurred the other day, in connection with His Majesty's Ship "Glorious," had there been a seaplane available, instead of the ship being obliged, herself, to go to the rescue?
Mr. ALEXANDERI think that we have to take a great many other technical considerations into account, and before the right hon. Member forms a final conclusion, I would ask him to await both the full findings of the Court of Inquiry and the result of any subsequent proceedings.