§ Mr. BIRDasked why no restriction was imposed as to the origin of the hydrogen contracted for the Navy by Messrs. Vickers and Company, whilst the Admiralty knew that a Wolverhampton company was prepared to supply all their requirements with British-made hydrogen?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis was an experimental airship, and it was desirable to give the contractors as free a hand as possible.
§ Mr. BIRDWill the right hon. Gentleman stipulate in future that all contracts for the supply of hydrogen for the Navy shall be of British manufacture?
§ Mr. McKENNAUntil I am acquainted with the extent and possibilities of the home supply I should be unwilling to give any undertaking of the sort asked for.
§ Mr. BIRDWill the right hon. Gentleman give encouragement to British manufacturers to undertake the necessary outlay to produce hydrogen by ensuring the necessary orders?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat must depend entirely upon various circumstances, including price. I am sure the hon. Gentleman does not wish to put up the price of hydrogen against the Admiralty.
§ Mr. BIRDasked if the hydrogen supplied from abroad for the Navy was contained in cylinders that did not comply with British regulations, and that, as a consequence, these foreign supplies have to be conveyed by road in motor vans, as the railways refuse to carry them?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Admiralty have no official information on the subject referred to in the hon. Member's question; and I would refer him to the reply I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on Monday last.