§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the aggregate sum expended by the State on drainage schemes for the relief of unemployment in rural areas; the number of men employed; and the area of land improved?
Mr. WOODThe figures are as follow:
units; the machine hours flown; the number of machines written off charge; and the total expenditure (excluding civil aviation and capital charges other than replacement of material written off)?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) Average number of personnel:
57W
R.A.F. Civilians. 1923–24 … … 28,121 17,300 1924–25 … … 30,137 16,250 (2) Average number of qualified pilots:
1923–24 … … … … 1,700 1924–25 … … … … 1,900 (3) Average number of pilots under training:
1923–24 … … … … 370 1924–25 … … … … 430 (4) Average number of qualified pilots of the rank of squadron-leader or lower rank:
1923–24 … … … … 1,544 1924–25 … … … … 1,756 (5) Average number of machines employed in units:
1923–24 … … … … 750 1924–25 … … … … 900 (7) Machines written off charge:
1923–24 … … … … 710 1924–25 … … … … 527 (8) Expenditure (excluding civil aviation and capital charges other than in respect of equipment):
£ 1923–24 … … … 12,731,000 1924–25 … … … 15,383,000 (Note.—These figures represent the actual or estimated out-turn of Air Votes in the years specified and include expenditure in Iraq, Palestine and Transjordania in respect of which a grant-in-aid is received from Colonial Office Votes. The figure for 1924–25 includes airship expenditure (none in 1923–24), and if such expenditure is excluded the figure will become £15,067,000.)
I am communicating with my hon. and gallant Friend privately as regards the sixth part of the question, and as regards the eighth part I will, at the same time, send him particulars as to the capital expenditure on equipment when the figure required has been worked out.