HC Deb 10 April 1912 vol 36 cc1278-9
Mr. FELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how much was to be spent this year on the construction or purchase of dirigible airships for use with the Army; how much on the training of the crews to navigate them; and if his attention was being directed to the increasing numbers of these airships constructed on the Continent and to tie use that was being made of them by the Italian army in the operations in Tripoli?

Colonel SEELY

The airship "Delta" will be completed, and a new one will be constructed at the Royal Aircraft Factory. It is proposed to train about 120 officers and men in airship work, but the actual cost of such training cannot be definitely stated. The developments of the employment of airships for military purposes are being carefully watched.

Mr. FELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the part of the question in reference to the amount to be spent on construction?

Colonel SEELY

I said that we could not estimate the cost of training. I do not know that I could state the actual cost of the airships, because we do not know how far we can get. If the hon. Gentleman puts down a question I will ascertain the amount if it is possible.

Mr. FELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he would state the condition of the Clément Bayard airship at Aldershot, and whether it made flights from time to time; if so, was it capable, or were any of the War Office airships capable, of making an extended flight; and, if so, why they did not prove their capabilities by visiting London or some other large city?

Colonel SEELY

This airship has been dismantled, as it was considered wholly unserviceable. With regard to the other parts of the, question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies I gave on Tuesday of last week.

Mr. FELL

Why has the airship been dismantled at Aldershot, and why is it unserviceable under War Office control, seeing that it was navigated by Frenchmen from Paris to London and on to Aldershot?

Colonel SEELY

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the airship is unserviceable now. The envelope leaks badly and there are other defects.