HC Deb 30 June 1913 vol 54 cc1508-9W
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the House a copy of the order or letter or communication sent from the War Office to the Royal Flying Corps, late in May or early in June, in reference to any possible inspection or inquiry into the number of aeroplanes, and which communication was formally read to the officers by Major Sykes, the adjutant of the corps?

Colonel SEELY

I am not aware of any correspondence except letters written to the commandants of the Central Flying School and Military Wing with regard to railway arrangements for the hon. Gentleman. These would not be of interest to the House, but I am sending copies to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give to the House a copy of the Report and recommendations of Major Sykes, the adjutant of the Royal Flying Corps, in April last on the subject of the monoplanes in possession of the corps?

Colonel SEELY

It has never been the practice, and would not be in the interests of good administration, to publish Departmental Reports made by officers in the ordinary course of their duty.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any and, if so, what arrangements have been made in the Royal Flying Corps for the training of air mechanics in aviation; and what opportunities there are for promotion from the ranks?

Colonel SEELY

Arrangements have been made for training selected warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Military Wing at the Central Flying School and in units of the Military Wing, and so far eighteen men have been so trained and have obtained their Royal Aero Club certificate. They are eligible for recommendation for commissions like all other non-commissioned officers in the Army and under the same conditions.