§ Mr. INGLEBYasked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether the Avro and other aeroplanes are still being fitted with English-made Gnome engines; what is the number of accidents that can be traced to the use of this engine in training squadrons; and if its use is to be continued?
§ Major BAIRDThe engine referred to is still in use, though it is gradually being replaced. The number of accidents which occur to machines fitted with this engine is not proportionately greater than to machines fitted with any other engine used for training purposes.
§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty entered into a contract with men joining the Anti-Aircraft Corps by which the latter were to serve for the period of the War, and neither party could terminate the contract before the end of that period except in the event of misconduct or ill-health; and, if so, why R. C. H. Windett, No. AA 2,657, was given a paper purporting to be a discharge, but with the discharge certificate left blank?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis man joined the Anti-Aircraft Corps in December, 1915, as a part-timer on a searchlight. In November, 1916, with Admiralty General Headquarters Home Forces approval, all men of military age in the Anti-Aircraft Corps were medically examined and classed under the Military Service Act. Those classed A were given their discharge to free them for general service. Those in B and C Classes were given the option of performing full-time duties or being given their discharge. The man referred to in the question was classed B 3, and as he would not take on full-time duties, but wished to continue on part time, he was given his discharge. His service certificate was filled up in accordance with Admiralty instructions. He wrote to the Admiralty in this connection on 10th February, and the matter was completely dealt with in an official reply of the 19th February.