§ Mr. BARNARD (for Mr. Ridsdale)asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to-an account of a meeting at which the Master General of Ordnance was present; whether the requirements for a serviceable military dirigible balloon, as therein set forth, represent the views of the military authorities; and if the Balloon Department is now in a position to construct a vessel which would fulfil the stipulated conditions?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am aware of the account of the meeting referred to. These requirements represent the wishes of the military authorities as regards the balloon to be purchased by the "Morning Post" Airship Fund. Until further reliable data are obtained, the War Department does not propose to construct a vessel on similar lines. I may tell my hon. Friend that the Department is in close touch with, and that it is consulting, the Advisory Committee on Aviation, on various points.
§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he proposes to devote any of the ample funds which are devoted to this question to the purchase of airships which may prove themselves able to fly in this country?
§ Mr. HALDANEindicated assent.