§ 40. Mr. Markhamasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the present meteorological staff of the Air Ministry and other Departments is adequate; and whether any steps have been taken to secure additional trained meteorologists to meet defence requirements?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe expansion of the defence services necessitates a considerable enlargement of the meteorological service. No outside source of supply of trained meteorological staff is available, but additional staff is being recruited to the numbers required, and special arrangements for training have been instituted.
§ Mr. MarkhamWill the increase of staff permit the Meteorological Office to devote more time to research and less to routine work?
§ Sir P. SassoonI hope that may be so.
§ 41. Mr. Markhamasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he considers that the science of weather forecasting has been sufficiently developed, or is sufficiently accurate, to provide adequate information to defence forces or arms relying on a foreknowledge of weather conditions for their successful operation; and, if not, what arrangements are being made or researches being carried out to achieve the desired development?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe science of weather forecasting already affords information of much value to the defence forces and the possibilities of its further development are kept under constant study and review.
§ Mr. MarkhamWill the right hon. Baronet amplify his answer? It is a vague phrase which does not contain any information at all. The question is very definite?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe answer was that we are doing what we can for the moment and that we hope to do more.