Research and Tactics (Pooling of Information)

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 29 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton 12:00, 29 Ionawr 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements have been made with the U.S.A.A.F. for the pooling of the results of research and the common study of tactics.

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27th January.

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a statement has been made by an authoritative spokesman of the American Army Air Force that such arrangements have been made for the pooling of the results of research and the study of tactics, and will he either confirm or deny this report?

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

This is a matter of general principle upon which statements of general principle have been made by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Lord President of the Council. I do not think it would be right for me to add to those statements today.

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Luton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is not a question of general principle, but that it is a question of detailed arrangements, and can he say whether such detailed arrangements have been made or are contemplated between his Department and the United States Army Air Force?

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

The arrangements that we have made with the American Air Force are those which have arisen out of the war and, as has been explained by the Prime Minister, they are arrangements which we would be glad to make on a reciprocal basis with any other Ally. I hope that will satisfy my hon. Friend.

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western

Why cannot we get the same information as America?

Photo of Mr Philip Noel-Baker Mr Philip Noel-Baker , Derby

Because a great deal of information published—