HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1935-6W
Mr. BILLING

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board whether General Sir Douglas Haig has expressed his dissatisfaction, either directly or indirectly, with certain types of machines which are being employed in France; whether the BE 2E, BE 2 C, or BE 2D machine is still being ordered; and, if so, in what quantities?

Major BAIRD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; but I would refer the hon. Member to the statement of the Field-Marshal's views contained in the dispatch from him which was published on 29th December last. As regards the second and third parts of the question, it would be contrary to public interests to give information as to the types and numbers of aeroplanes being ordered. The hon. Member may rest assured that no machines are being ordered for employment in France which the Commander-in-Chief does not v ant.

Mr. BILLING

asked what proportion of British Government-designed machines are at present being employed in France and what proportion of private British-designed; what proportion of French-designed; and what proportion of accidents coming under the heading of killed, wounded, or missing are to be attributed to each of these types, respectively, in the last twelve months?

Major BAIRD

It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the first and second part of the hon. Member's question. The compilation of the figures asked for in the third part of the question would involve a very considerable amount of work, and as it would not furnish the material for a fair comparison, I do not think that the War Office could justifiably be asked to undertake it at the present time of pressure.