HC Deb 29 July 1942 vol 382 cc504-5
47. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that all aircraft taking part in naval operations do not at present belong to the Fleet Air Arm nor come under direct Admiralty control, the pilots of such Royal Air Force machines as may have to take part in those operations are given special training in naval strategy and tactics?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir, this would be impossible.

Sir A. Southby

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that, in view of the specialised nature of the work which these pilots have to do, it would be better that the shore-based aircraft employed should be under the direction of the Admiralty?

Mr. Attlee

The point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is with regard to those aircraft taking part in naval operations. There are specialised aircraft and specially trained pilots to take part in naval operations, but there may be occasions when other aircraft have to be employed.

Sir A. Southby

Will the Minister consider whether it would not be desirable, in the light of experience during this war, that all aircraft taking part in naval operations should come under the direct control and direction of the Fleet Air Arm and the Admiralty?

Mr. Attlee

That is another question.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is my right hon. Friend aware that divided controls of ships and land-based aircraft conducting operations of war have been, are now and must continue to be a grave handicap to efficiency?

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Is it not the case that any machine of the Royal Air Force may have to take part in naval operations and that therefore the suggestion contained in the Question is quite impracticable?

Mr. Attlee

That was the effect of my reply. Perhaps the other specific points that have been raised might be put on the Order Paper.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I have no option but to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Thorne

In view of the fact that there are now about 200 Notices of Motion for which no date has been fixed, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether there is not some way by which we can get rid of some of them?

Mr. Speaker

It is a question of the more the merrier.

Mr. Kirkwood

Are not these Notices of Motion an indication of the dissatisfaction of this House in regard to the conduct of the Government?

Mr. Speaker

That is a matter of opinion.