ROYAL AIR FORCE.
asked the Secretary of State for Air how many trained airship pilots and how many other officers and men trained in any particular branch of airship work are now available; and how are they employed?
The numbers are: Trained airship pilots, 56: other officers, trained in airship duties (engines, stores, wireless), 21; airmen, trained in airship duties, 135. A few of the officers were also aeroplane pilots and are now serving as such. The remainder are employed on various Royal Air Force duties or are undergoing courses of instruction. Of the airmen, 83 were riggers, and these are now under training as riggers of aeroplanes or balloons. The remaining 52 were hydrogen workers and are being trained for other Royal Air Force duties, chiefly as mechanical transport drivers.
RUSSIA (ECONOMIC SITUATION).
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the opinions expressed by the recent German trade delegation to Russia have been brought to his notice; and whether British reports confirm these assertions that the reconstruction of Russian industry is impossible under present conditions?
I understand that representatives of German firms who recently visited Russia have returned with somewhat discouraging reports as to the economic situation in that country Similar reports have also been received from British sources, but I should be reluctant to commit myself to a statement such as that implied in the second part of the question.
POPULATION AND MARRIAGES.
asked the Minister of Health what was the increase in the population during each of the decennial periods from 1871 to 1921: the number of marriages during the same periods; and the number of marriages in each year from 1913 to 1921?
The following Table gives the required information so far as England and Wales are concerned: Intercensal Increase of Population. 1871–1881 … … … 3,262,173 1881–1891 … … … 3,028,086 1891–1901 … … … 3,525,318 1901–1911 … … … 3,542,649 1911–1921 … … … 1,814,750 Marriages During Intercensal Period. 1.4.1871–31.3.1881 … … 1,962,281 1.4.1881–31.3.1891 … … 2,058,588 1.4.1891–31.3.1901 … … 2,388,764 1.4.1901–31.3.1911 … … 2,641,461 1.4.1911–30.6.1921 … … 3,178,373 Number of Marriages in each year. 1913 … … … … 286,583 1914 … … … … 294,401 1915 … … … … 360,885 1916 … … … … 279,846 1917 … … … … 258,855 1918 … … … … 287,163 1919 … … … … 369,411 1920 … … … … 379,982 1921 (provisional) … … 320,786