FRANCE COMMANDS AIR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2597, 16 March 1923, Page 5

FRANCE COMMANDS AIR.

BRITAIN’S WEAK POSITION. CANNOT RELY ON CIVIL AVIATION. MINISTER'S SPEECH ON ESTIMATES. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] (Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Thursday, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. Right Hon. Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary lor the Air, in the House of Commons, in introducing the Air Estimates, said the past year was one of steady progress. There was a general feenug 01 anxiety about our air strength. In comparing it with France, who had more luiiy developed her air power , no one must form the impression that he believed that trouble was even remoteiy possiuie between the two great Allies. In 1035 France would have 3180 service machines, and this country only 575. Tno disparity was overwhelming. Was it justifiable? If we applied the one. Power standard for the air it would mean an immediate increase in the net estimates of 33 millions. In 1018 the Air Force comprised 30,133 oiheers and 303,410 other ranks, and 3300 planes. To-day we had 3071 officers and 37,400 other ranks, and 371 lirstiine aeroplanes. At present, in the absence of quantity, we must concentrate on quality. From the point of view of economy, humanity, and commonsense we ought to try to avoid a new lap in the old race for armaments. He proposed to offer prizes amounting to £50,000 in connection with experi-1 meats in helicopters and make a small i grant to encourage gliding. He was also preparing a scheme to enable reservists to train with certain selected firms. He fioped in a few years to create a reserve of 1000 ofiicers and 12,000 men. in the present estimmates fie sought 18 additional squadrons, including three for co-operation with the Navy. He denied that the Navy was starved. Our naval air work was stages ahead’ of any other great Power. He reminded the House that civil aviation, though useful to supplement it, would never be a substitute for military aviation.

On the question of subsidies to civil companies, the Air Ministry Avas prepared to negotiate Avith any person on the basis of subscriptions of £1,000,000 of private capital and a State subsidy not exceeding a million, spread over a decade. The Avhole question of airships Avould shortly be re-opened by the Imperial Defence Committee. The Air Ministry held the vlbav that airships might become very \-aluable as carriers of troops, and possibly of aircraft.

General Sykes contended that a sound defensive air system was an indissoluble link Avith international affairs and social problems. He hoped the Air Ministry would join the scheme for a naval base at Singapore, where an air depot Avould greatly assist. An air route to Australasia tvould 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 her home defence policy in order and haA r e a sound workable scheme. The vote was agreed to.