§ 24. Sir M. SUETERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the naval cadets at Dartmouth College undergo 2027 any training in aviation; whether arrangements are made for them to make periodical flights in an aeroplane or seaplane; whether the cadets take any trips in a submarine during their course at the college; and, if so, how many?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Samuel Hoare)In reply to the first and second parts of the question, a Fleet Air Arm officer is appointed to the staff of Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, who gives introductory lectures to the cadets on Fleet Air Arm subjects. No practical experience is given at this stage, but on going to sea, midshipmen undergo air courses which include flights in aircraft. It is also the practice, when circumstances permit, for aircraft carriers to visit the vicinity of Dartmouth so that cadets can be given an opportunity to witness air operations from a carrier. In reply to the third and last parts of the question, no special arrangements are made to ensure that cadets go to sea in a submarine, but when any of these vessels are exercising in the vicinity, visits to Dartmouth are arranged for the benefit of the cadets, and it is then possible to arrange trips for some of them.