AIR ESTIMATES

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1930, Page 5

AIR ESTIMATES

SHOW AN INCREASE,

(British Official Wireless).

(Received this day at noon.) RUGBY, March 18

Introducing the Air Estimates in the Commons, Mr Montague '.Undersecretary for Air) said the revised 'total of last year’s estimates, allowing for supplement estimate of £760,000 was £16,960,000. This year there was an increase of £890,000 and the total was £17.850,000. The increase was due mainly to the provision of up-to-date equipment, which was essential alike lor safety and efficiency, the coming needs of civil

fiviation and additional outlay on scientific research work. During the financial year ending March 31, five additional squadrons would have been added to the establishment of the air force for the purpose of home defence. One of those was a regular squadron and the other four '-ore organised oil an auxiliary basis. It was intended that 25 per cent of the home defence should be on this nonregular basis, but at the present time, the proposition was nearly thirty-three per cent. Mr Montague stressed the moderation and unprovocative character of the air policy and instanced the successful use of air power in Palestine, Ivoweii, Iraq, Sudan and Aden protectorate.

Flc’i also mentioned the achievements in engine construction including the winning of the Schneider Cup. The increase in the civil vote was mainly due to a provision of an additional subsidy for the air service to South Africa. The England to India service had been- extended to Delhi and a section to Calcutta- would be ready at the end of March. It wa s hoped by the autumn that Rangoon would be connected and proposals had been submitted for the remaining section between Rangoon and Australia.

Sir R. Hoare pointed out that Britain was only fourth or fifth in the list of air powers and added that America, France and Italy at present were engaged on a programme of further extensions. He suggested that endeavours should be made to reach a parity agreement between the great 'powers of Westrn Europe—France, Italy and Britain. If such an agreement could be reached, there would be less risk of air armaments going up, and that an agreement would be the best basis for a more $ general agreement to be readied between all the Powers of the world.