47. Captlin P. MACDONALDasked the Prime Minister whether any decision 29 has been reached with regard to the desirability of the Admiralty taking complete control of the Fleet Air Arm; and if not, whether any satisfactory definition has been reached so far as the responsibilities of the Navy with regard to its own methods of air defence and attack are concerned?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, when embarked the Fleet Air Arm comes completely under the operational and disciplinary control of the Admiralty.
Captain MACDONALDIn view of the very urgent and wordy battle that is now raging between the admirals of the Fleet and the marshals of the Air Force, will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that a decision on this question is taken at an early date so that this controversy may come to an end?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have answered the question that was put down.
Vice-Admiral TAYLORWill not my right hon. Friend consider, in view of the serious state of affairs, the discontent and the dissatisfaction, having a full inquiry into this matter I One has not taken place since 1923.