§ 46. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in his plans for the defence of the country, the Fleet Air Arm is taken into account, or whether its primary duty is to protect the Fleet wherever it may be?
§ Sir T. InskipI cannot accept the suggestion that the primary duty of the Fleet Air Arm is the protection of the Fleet. Each of the three Defence Services has its appropriate role in the defence of the country. As I indicated in the course of the Debate on Monday, the Fleet Air Arm is an integral part of His 1888 Majesty's Navy and has its proper share in the duties which fall upon that Service, including the defence of British trade.
§ Colonel WedgwoodThe Fleet Air Arm, I take it, is not included in the 124 squadrons which we have arranged for the defence of the country?
§ Sir T. InskipThe Fleet Air Arm is not included in what is generally called the "Metropolitan First-Line Strength."