§ 40 and 41. Major Raynerasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (1) whether in the inquiry that he is conducting into the future status of the Fleet Air Arm, evidence upon the broad strategic problems involved will be taken from officers of all three Services who have had the advantage of combined higher training at the Imperial Defence College;
(2) whether in the inquiry that he is conducting into the future status of the Fleet Air Arm, he will take into careful consideration the parallel problems affecting that portion of the Royal Air Force that is allotted for Army co-operation?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)I will bear in mind my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. I hope to obtain advice from those who by their past experience and training are specially qualified to assist the inquiry, and it is likely that such persons will include officers who have had the advantage of the course of the Imperial Defence College. I certainly regard it as relevant to consider the relationship between the Army and the Air Force as regards aircraft allotted for Army co-operation work.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the right hon. Gentleman give any approximate date when this inquiry will be complete?
§ Sir T. InskipNo, Sir; at this moment I do not like to suggest an approximate date. It is proceeding. I have been held up for a few days by reason of circumstances for which nobody is to blame. I can inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman of them if he desires to know.