HC Deb 20 February 1912 vol 34 cc458-9
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will place upon the Table of the House the finding of the court of inquiry following the accident to Naval Airship No. 1, with a view to a vindication of the naval officers concerned in her construction?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether any member of the advisory committee objected to the design of Naval Airship No. 1; and what form did the objections take?

Mr. CHURCHILL

As stated in reply to a previous question on 21st November last, Messrs. Vickers are solely responsible for the structural strength of the airship, and I am informed that, so far as can be traced, no objection such as the hon. Member refers to was submitted to the Admiralty by any member of the advisory committee during the construction of the vessel.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Will not the right hon. Gentleman make some statement vindicating the officers associated with the construction of the airship?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have said that Messrs. Vickers are solely responsible for the structural strength of the airship. I was not aware that the officers are in need of any vindication.

Mr. BURGOYNE

asked whether the Admiralty intend to develop the hydro-aeroplane or any form of aerial vessel suitable for naval purposes?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir.