TO REDUCE ARMAMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12075, 28 February 1925, Page 5

TO REDUCE ARMAMENTS

GOVERNMENT’S ANXIETY

“AT FIRST OPPORTUNITY.” * Reuter’s Telegram. . (Received February 27, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, February 26. Replying to the debate, and to a ' Labour amendment to reduce the Air Force, in order to condemn the waste and futility of all armaments, -Sir Samuel Hoare said the Government was equally anxious for the reduction of armaments. The Prime Minister had authorised him to say that the Government would take the first possible opportunity, whether by a conference, or by other methods, to make effective what he believed' was the wish of every member of the House. The amendment <»as rejected by 260 votes to 25, and the Air Estimates were agreed to. THE ESTIMATES , FORGE OF 54 SQUADRONS. The Air Estimates for 1925-26 total £15,809,000, compared with £15,113;000 for 1924 25. Tlie strength of the air force at present is equivalent to 54 squadron v, including 25 1-3 at Home, eight in Irak, six in India and 4 1-3 in Egypt end Palestine. i The estimates provide for a personnel of 36.000 in all ranks, an increase of 1000. The pay of the force is increased- by £471,000. In addition to the total given, account must also be taken of the . expenditure by the Colonial Office under the Middle East, Tote of £3.116,000, comprising Irak £2,744.000. Palestine (across the Jordan) £372.000, and by Admiralty for the fleet air arm an expenditure of £1 320,000 an effective net increase of £1,972,600. COMMERCIAL SERVICES. In regard to airships, for which*" £500,000 is provided in the estimates, the official opinion is that the commercial airship service is at present the principal object to keep in view. Meanwhile the immediate policy is to secure that every step should be taken to ensure safety and success in the experimental stage, especially in view of the fact that these ships are twice the size of >ny previously constructed. An extensive programme of research and experiment is in hand in this connection. , The dirigible R 33 will be reconditioned shortly, and will carry out a series of experimental flights. R 36 is now being reconditioned at Pulliam for an experimental flight to Egypt. Mooring mast® are being constructed, in order that the new airships may be able to moor at Cardington and at two stations overseas.