The Commons on Monday also renewed the Army debate. Colonel
Seely was pressed for more information about the number of efficient aeroplanes, and said that if the test of efficiency laid down by the Opposition (viz., the ability to fly at 50 miles an hour, to rise to 3,000 feet and to continue to fly at that speed and height) were accepted, the number of efficient machines was not 101 but something over 80. On May 31 the War Office ought to have 148 aeroplanes, of which 130 would satisfy the test of efficiency. We fear that Colonel Seely refuses to face the fact that a proportionately large number of aeroplanes—a number, that is to say, large in pro- portion to the size of our Army—will avail us nothing. What we need is an absolutely sufficient number to repel attack by meeting aeroplanes with aeroplanes. The issue will not be decided by proportionate merit.
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