58.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any of the machines working from, or with, H.M.S. "Argus" have recently crashed, and how many aeroplanes were available for service, working with the Royal Navy on 16th July, 1922, for bombing, fighting, torpedo carrying, observation, and training, respectively?

Captain GUEST:

The answer to the first question is that, since the 15th May last, only two aeroplanes have been seriously damaged, and written off, during deck landing practice. Damage to aeroplanes is to be expected in training exercises of this kind, but this does not affect the number of aeroplanes available, damaged machines being at once replaced from the supply held in immediate reserve.

The answer to the second question is, that aeroplanes are available in the following numbers, including the 50 per cent. first line reserve, which is kept at the unit and provides immediate replacements for any damage to unserviceable aeroplanes:

• Reconnaissance. —18 ship planes, 18 float planes, 15 flying boats.
• Spotting. —18 ship planes.
• Torpedo-carrying. —18 ship planes.
• Fighting. —9 ship fighters.
• Training. —9 float seaplanes, 12 flying boats.
• Development. —6 flying boats, 4 torpedo ship planes.

Thus, there are 127 service aeroplanes in active commission and first line reserve engaged in aerial and naval peace exercises or in naval air training and development. In addition to this, two of the reserve squadrons, comprising 36 aeroplanes, including immediate reserve, are, inter alia, being used for certain other special forms of naval co-operation. Finally, there is maintained behind these units a main reserve of the various types, amounting to over 200 aeroplanes without pilots, all of which would be available for the reinforcement of the above naval units. The actual grand total of aeroplanes available for all purposes connected with the Navy is 359, exclusive of the two reserve squadrons mentioned above.

Does not the difference between this answer and the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty show a great lack of co-ordination between the Air Service and the Admiralty?

59.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether pilots working with the Royal Navy are interchangeable with pilots working with the Royal Air Force in other areas; whether such changes are in fact made: and whether any of the pilots borne in or attached to His Majesty's Ship "Argus" have recently been changed?

Captain GUEST:

In answer to the first question, pilots working with the Royal Navy are interchangeable with those working on other duties, as it is considered necessary to give them the widest possible experience. A certain amount of special practice work is needed in connection with co-operation with the Fleet, and pilots so engaged are, as far as possible, retained in their appointments for a period of four years; though in practice, on account of promotion, or owing to their being required for special appointment, or for some other similar reason, the full period is not always served by all officers.

The reply to the second question is in the affirmative. With regard to the third question, two pilots have been changed during the current year. One of these was required for a course at the Royal Air Force Staff College, and the other for experimental work.