HC Deb 15 January 1913 vol 46 cc2091-2W
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the list of lieutenants in the Navy is over 100 short, he proposes still further to increase this shortage by appointing naval lieutenants to the Royal Flying Corps; and, if not, how he proposes to obtain sufficient pilots for the permanent establishment of the Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Lieutenants of the Royal Navy will be appointed to the Royal Flying Corps in such numbers as may be necessary, due regard being had to the requirements of the Service in other directions. In addition to naval lieutenants, Royal Marine officers and officers of other branches of the Royal Navy, and officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve will be appointed to the Royal Flying Corps, and civilian aviators will be accepted in such numbers as may be necessary, being granted commissions in the Reserve Forces. It is also expected that a certain number of competent pilots may be obtained from warrant officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.