§ 56. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been drawn to Herr Hitler's February Reichstag speech, in which he said that the National Socialist flying corps in his country had 3,000,000 members in 1937, of whom 50,000 were active airmen, and Signor Mussolini's senate speech of 30th 27 March, in which he said that Italy had now the possibility of a mass of 20,000 to 30,000 pilots; and whether he will appoint a committee of air experts to go into the whole question of training pilots and explore every possible means of securing suitable young men for air training with the view of this country possessing as many trained active airmen as are available in Germany and Italy?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Earl Winterton)Yes, Sir, I have seen references in the Press to these statements. As regards the second part of the question, I do not think that the object which my hon. and gallant Friend has in view would really be promoted by the appointing of an ad hoc committee. The number of pilots of the Regular Air Force, the Auxiliary Air Force and the Reserve has increased greatly in recent years, is still increasing, and will continue to increase.
§ Mr. MontagueIs it the view of the Government that Germany and Italy would be so unkind as to make war upon this country?