HC Deb 25 May 1938 vol 336 c1209
48. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will communicate to the House any authoritative estimates in his possession as to the numbers or output of trained air pilots in Germany and Italy respectively?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that authoritative statements of this nature are not available, as it is not the practice of the countries referred to to publish details of their flying training organisations.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the head of the Government in Germany and the Minister for Air in Italy have both made public statements as to the numbers of pilots they have who are trained and in training? Are those estimates not regarded as authoritative? If so, why can they not be published in the House?

Sir K. Wood

I understand that the statements to which the hon. Member refers have already been made public by the persons themselves, and I cannot take things further than that.

Mr. Garro Jones

Having regard to the enormously increased number of pilots being trained in those two countries, does the Minister regard those estimates as authoritative, and does he think the proposals as to the number of pilots to be trained in this country are adequate?

Sir K. Wood

That is an entirely different question.

Mr. Mander

Is it not part of the ordinary duty of an air attachéin information of this character and report to the Government?