§ Captain Pluggeasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the latest information available as to the number of aircraft now at the disposal of the British, American, Italian, Japanese, and German navies; and what has been the approximate change in such numbers during the past five years?
Mr. CooperThe figures for the Royal Navy are, in 1932—139 aircraft; at the present date—204. As regards the foreign navies, according to the latest information at my disposal, the figures are:—
- American Navy: 1932—464. Now—709.
- Japanese Navy: 1932—250. Now—461.
- Italian Navy: 1932—30. Now—60, plus on each date a certain number of shore-based reconnaissance aircraft.
- German Navy: 1932—Nil. Now—16.
The British figures are not comparable to those given in respect of the other countries, as aircraft not allotted to His Majesty's Ships are under the control of the Royal Air Force.