AIR ESTIMATES

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1929, Page 5

AIR ESTIMATES

SUBMITTED IN COMMONS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 7. In the Commons Sir R. Hoare in-. iroducing the Air Estimates amounting to sixteen millions said while the . expenditure upon air armaments had been bounding up in other parts of j the world, the British net expenditure J for tlie fourth . year in succession j showed an actual decrease. T*ier<v were four prominent features in the Estimates. At the end of the year the strength. of the Air Force would be raised from seventy-five to eightytwo squadrons, but even so would fall considerably below the strength of certain other Powers. There still remained to be formed twenty-one of fifty-two squadrons that were regarded as the minimum for Home and Imperial defence." He claimed, however, that the standard of efficiency had increased greatly and auxiliary squadrons had shown themselves so efficient as to justify adding three squadrons to their number in the Estimates. Regular weekly air services to India would begin in a lew weeks, the journey occupying six to seven days. He hoped during the next few months to he able to make the necessary arrangements for a trunk line from London to Capetown. He expressed gratification at_ the co-operation of foreign countries in permitting routes to traverse their territory. The sum allowed in the Estimates for commencing , the African project was purposely small, because it would take at least twelve months to get the service regularly operating.. The British Government was prepared to bear its share of the cost, but considered other Governments concerned should play their part. In that case it was prepared in addition to a subsidy for the England—Egypt route to give substantial support to African sections. Definite provisions had been made for further advance in technical and scientific development of the Air Force. A further advance would be made in field metal construction, concentrated attention being given to the development of the slotted wiug device. Upon completion of this year s programme the whole Force with the exception of lour Indian squadrons would he equipped with new types of engines. Four Indian squadrons were due for re-armament in 1930. The Ministry was concentrating on development of new up-to-date machines for civil transport. Provision was made in the civil aviation vote for the stimulation of the air sense of the nation, making it easier for young men and women to learn to ilv. A grant they were proposing ti. gi\-e the National Flying Services

Company was entirely restricted to payment by result and not the least important condition was a provision, directly or indirectly, of one hundred new aerodromes and landing grounds.