HC Deb 31 July 1919 vol 118 cc2275-6
56 and 57. Captain W. BENN

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the proved value of airships for commercial purposes, the control of the airships could be transferred to the Civil Aviation Department of the Air Ministry; (2) whether the policy of the Government was that there should be unified control over the production of all material and the training of personnel for all aircraft whether lighter or heavier than air?

58 and 60. Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

asked the Prime Minister (1) when the construction of airships will be transferred from the Admiralty to the Air Ministry; (2) whether it is intended to divide the Air Service between the Admiralty and the Air Ministry?

61. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prime Minister whether he could make an announcement in reference to the transfer of the construction of airships to the Air Ministry?

94. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it was the intention of the Admiralty to transfer the manufacture of airships to the Air Ministry; and, if so, when?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It has been decided that the lighter-than-airships shall be transferred to the Air Ministry, and arrangements to carry this into effect are now being made.

Mr. RAPER

Will they be transferred immediately or only on completion?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The principle has been decided upon; the details are being arranged between the two Departments.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will they be available for experiments in commercial work, or are they only for naval and military purposes?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I could not be expected to answer that question. That will be for examination. One of the questions says, "Value for commercial purposes," but I was not aware of that.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Will they be transferred for operational purposes?

Major-General SEELY

I could not answer that offhand. When these ships are employed for military purposes they will be under the command of appropriate military authorities, whether of the Navy or Army.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

When arrangements are made will a statement be published here?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We shall certainly make any announcement that we can. Whether it will be necessary to make it when the House is not sitting we will consider.