§ 32 and 92. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether, in the contracts given to the various aeroplane manufacturers, there is a specification of the particular dope to be used; if so, can he say what are the special dopes so named, or are the manufacturers allowed to use the non-poisonous dopes upon the market; (2) the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the contracts given to the various aeroplane manufacturers, there is a specification of the particular dope to be used; and, if so, can he say what are the special dopes so named, or are the manufacturers allowed to use the non-poisonous dopes upon the market?
§ Major BAIRD(Representing the Air Board): I have been asked to deal with this question and No. 92. Considerable progress has been made in the production of satisfactory dopes of a non-poisonous kind and the Admiralty and the War Office have recently issued instructions to 855 contractors specifying various non-poisonous dopes which meet their requirements. The effect of these instructions is that the use of dope containing tetrachlorethane is no longer permitted for the purposes of either the Naval or the Military Air Service unless the non-poisonous dopes cannot be obtained. Any cases of failure of supply of the non-poisonous dopes will be made the subject of special inquiry. Of the eight doping schemes approved, seven are supplied by the trade.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSMay I ask the hon. and gallant Member whether the other dopes used by private manufacturers are allowed to be used where the demand is for them?
§ Major BAIRDSubject to their complying with the specifications which have been circulated, of which I shall be happy to send my lion. Friend a copy.