HC Deb 18 March 1935 vol 299 c818
49. Mr. WHITESIDE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was the number of pilots in the Royal Air Force during 1934?

Sir P. SASSOON

The average strength of officer and airman pilots in the Royal Air Force during 1934 was 2,701.

Mr. WHITESIDE

In view of the fact that £17,000,000 was spent on the Royal Air Force last year, will my right hon. Friend take steps to increase the number of pilots who can actually fly? £17,000,000 is a very large sum to provide for an Air Force comprising only 2,700 pilots.

Sir P. SASSOON

I am sure that my hon. Friend will have plenty of time to elaborate that argument to-morrow.