§ 13. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the cost for construction of the R 34 type of airship, the cost of the housing-shed and extensions, the per- 940 sonnel required at the shed for handling, berthing, cleaning the airship, etc., the estimated total monthly cost of the airship when in commission, including pay of persons employed in ship and shed; how many of these airships are under construction; and whether work is being continued on them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe cost of constructing an airship of R 34 type is approximately £350,000. The cost of the housing-shed at East Fortune, together with extensions and windscreens, is approximately £166,000. Fourteen officers and 400 men are required at the station for handling, berthing, cleaning airships, etc. The estimated total monthly cost of the airship when in commission depends on the distance flown. Taking as basis 8,000 nautical miles per month at a speed of forty knots, it amounts to about £2,600 at current rates for cost of petrol, oil and gas. This figure includes the wages of crew and also one-fourth the total pay of the personnel required for handling, etc., as this latter is adequate for maintaining four airships in commission. No further airships of this class are under construction, but six of improved types have been ordered and are in varying stages of construction. Work upon them is being continued.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am sorry to say I have not.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill Peace make any difference to the programme?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASpeaking off-hand I should say no.