§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that French aeroplane manufacturers are already so fully supplied with orders from their own and other Continental Governments that they cannot supply machines to the British Army in quantities within a reasonable time, he will take immediate steps to purchase machines from such British manufacturers as may prove their ability to turn out satisfactory aeroplanes?
§ Colonel SEELYWill the hon. Member kindly refer to the reply to the question put on this subject by the hon. Member for Taunton on the 28th instant, to which there is nothing at present to add.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked how many effective aeroplanes are now owned by the War Department; how many of them are of English and French manufacture; and how many of each sort have been purchased since the 1st January, 1911?
§ Colonel SEELYThere are twelve effective aeroplanes at present owned by the War Department and three more are under reconstruction in the factory. Of these nine are of English and six of982W French manufacture. Every aeroplane of English and four of French manufacture have been purchased since 1st January, 1911.
§ Mr. JOYNSON - HICKSalso asked whether the French Army regulations provide that officers engaged in the aviation department are to be treated as on full war footing with, in the case of accident, similar allowances and pensions to themselves or their widows as they would receive if wounded or killed on active service; and whether such conditions also apply to the English aviation officers?
§ Colonel SEELYThe suggestion contained in the question that French officers engaged in the aeronautical service are placed on a war footing, and that in case of injuries they or their wives receive pensions or allowances as if the injury had been incurred on active service, is inaccurate. Their service is only regarded as active service for purposes of promotion. The conditions for our own aviation officers are not yet settled.