AEROPLANES UNDER ARMY CONTROL.

HC Deb 29 July 1941 vol 373 cc1243-4

32. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether the Army is now furnished with sufficient appropriate aeroplanes to make it independent of the Royal Air Force in effecting reconnaissance and similar work?

Mr. Sandys

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. It is not proposed to set up a separate air force for the Army. All squadrons engaged on reconnaissance and similar work for the Army continue to belong to the Royal Air Force. Certain of these squadrons, however, which are specially equipped and trained for Army needs, are under the operational control of the Army; and, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated on 10th June, it is the intention to increase considerably the number of aeroplanes under Army control.

Mr. Adams

When is, it anticipated that this last-mentioned desire will be fulfilled?

Mr. Sandys

It is going on all the time.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is it still the case that no Army unit lower than a division can make a direct request to the Air Force for co-operative support, as opposed to the German Army system, under which platoons may make direct requests for aircraft?

Mr. Sandys

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.