§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the successful experiments now being conducted on the South Coast of France with hydro-aeroplanes; whether he is aware that the ex- 1686W periments have established the fact that these machines can rise from and alight upon the sea; and whether any representative of the British Navy has been present at the experiments?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Admiralty are aware that experiments with hydro-aeroplanes are being carried out by private individuals in the South of France, and also that this type of machine is capable of rising from and alighting on water under favourable conditions. There is no official representative of the British Navy present at these experiments.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked whether the British Navy owns any hydro-aeroplanes; and, if so, how many?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOne hydro-aeroplane is now under construction at Eastchurch, and two others are on order. Experiments with machines of this type are being continued at Sheerness, Lake Windermere, and Barrow, and the results so far attained have been promising.