HC Deb 30 March 1917 vol 92 cc777-8W
Mr. BILLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an aeroplane known as RE 7 is still employed for offensive work; when was the order first placed for this type; how many were ordered: how many have been delivered; and whether it is proposed to take delivery of the balance, or whether the orders have been cancelled and the contractors compensated, so that they may apply their labour to more productive work?

Major BAIRD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; to the second third and fourth parts that it is not in the interest of the country that details of this kind should be published; and to the last part of the question that deliveries of this machine ceased some time ago.

Mr. BILLING

asked what is the total number of aeroplanes which have been ordered by the Royal Flying Corps since the outbreak of war, and what is the total number of machines which have been used for active service training purposes, respectively?

Major BAIRD

It would not be in the interests of the country to give this information.

Mr. BILLING

asked when the Order for RE 8s was placed; what number was ordered; how many have been delivered; whether any serious accidents have happened to the pilots flying these machines; and, if so, to what reason are these accidents attributed; whether it was intended to employ these machines upon active service against the enemy; and, if not, for what purpose were they ordered?

Major BAIRD

Contracts for the aeroplane referred to have been placed at various dates, but it is not desirable to publish the numbers of machines ordered or delivered. Several fatal accidents have happened to pilots flying this machine, the majority of which have been attributed by the Courts of Inquiry to some error of judgment on the part of the pilot. The machine is not an easy one to fly, but its qualities render it of great value for service in the field, where it is now employed in considerable numbers. The possibility of structural alteration is the type is receiving the fullest consideration.

Mr. BILLING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total number of aeroplanes which have been ordered by the Royal Naval Air Service since the outbreak of War and what is the total number of machines which have been used for active-service training purposes respectively?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I must decline to give the numbers asked for.