BRITAIN’S AIR STRENGTH

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 153, 16 March 1923, Page 7

BRITAIN’S AIR STRENGTH

MUCH BELOW THAT OF FRANCE ADDITIONAL SQUADRONS PROVIDED FOR IN ESTIMATES SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIL AVIATION COMPANIES

The British Secretary for Air, in introducing the Es..timates, referred to the overwhelming disparity between the French and British air forces, and said that 'eighteen additional squadrons were sought. He denied, however, that the navy was starved, Britain’s naval airwork being stages ahead of that of any other great Power.

Dr riLEoairn— pbeis association. —Oopteight.

YReo. March 15, 8.45 p.m.) London, March 14. Sir Samuel Hoaro, Secretary Air. in the House of Commons, in introducing the Air Estimates, said the oast rear was one of steady procress. There was a general feeling of anxietv about our air strength in comparing it with France, which had more fully developed her air power. No one must form the impression, that he believed war was even remotely possible between the two great allies. In 1925 the French would have 2180 service machines, and this country would have only 575. . The disparity was overwhelming. Was it justifiable? If wo applied the oneFower standard for air it would mean an immediate increase in the net Estimates of £23,000,000. In 1918 the air force comprised 30,122 officers and 263.410 of other ranks, and 3300 ’olanes. To-dav we had 3071 officers. 27.499 of other ranks, and 371 firstline aeroplanes. At present, in the absence of quantity, wo must concentrate on quality. From the point of view of economy, humanity, and common sense ire ought to try and avoid a new lap in the old race for armaments. He proposed to offer prizes amounting to £50,000 in connection with exoeriments in helicopters, and to make a small grant to encourage gliding. He is also preparing a scheme to enable reservists to train with, certain selected firms, and hoped in a few years to create a reserve of 1000 officers and 12,000 men. VALUE OF AIRSHIPS AS TROOP CARRIERS. Sir Samuel Hoare said that in the present Estimates he sought eighteen additional squadrons, including three for co-ooeration with the Navy. He denied that the Navy was starved. Our natal air work was stages ahead of that of any other Great Power, lie reminded the House that civil aviation. though a useful supplement, would never be a substitute for military aviation. On the question or subsidies to civil companies, the Aar

Ministry was prepared to negotiate with, any poison on the basis of subscriptions of a million pounds of private canital, and a State subsidy not exceeding a million, spread over a decade. The whole question of airships would shortly be reopened by the Imnerinl Defence Committee. The Air Ministry held the view that airships might become very valuable as cairiers of treops and possibly of aircraft. URGENT NEED OF SOUND SCHEME OF DEFENCE. Maior-General Sir Frederick Sykes contended that a sound defensive air system was indissolubly linked with international affairs and social problems. He hoped the Air Ministry would join the scheme of a naval base at Singapore, where an air depot would greatly assist the air route to Australia and New Zealand, which would not be possible this year. The Dominion Premiers could come by air to the Imperial Conference. But it was a matter of great urgency that this country should set its home defence nolicv in order and have a sound workable scheme. » xt rz ’The vote was agreed to. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE NAVY ESTIMATES “BELOW MARGIN REQUIRED FOR SECURITY” London, March 14. The Naviy League Executive, reviewing the Navy Estimates, holds that the provision for 1923-24 is below the margin required for the security of the Empire. The provision, therefore, cannot form a standard for future lequirements. The executive declares that the United Slates is maintaining in full commission larger force of battleships, destroyers, and submarines than Britain. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.