§ 78. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, with regard to the stone buildings which were erected in Egypt as Royal Air Force squadron stations, and were equipped with machinery for repair work, he will say to what use these buildings and machinery are now being put?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot identify the stone buildings to which the hon. and gallant Member refers as having been erected for the Royal Air Force, and I should be glad if he would give some further particulars. I would add that the engine repair depot at Abbassia, which was originally the. Swiss Ironworks, and was purchased by the Royal Air Force, is still being used as a repairdepot.
§ 79. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will state who ordered the construction of the hangar and shipway for seaplanes at the Royal Air Force depot in Aboukir Bay; what was the total cost of the hangar and shipway; and whether they are at present in use?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe construction referred to was ordered by the Air Ministry in 1920 in order to meet the need for a seaplane station, and was purposely kept down to the minimum expenditure in order that the suitability of Aboukir Bay for the purpose could be tested before any extensive programme of works was put in hand. The approximate expenditure was £1,560, exclusive of the cost of the temporary hangar, which was available. Subsequently considerations of policy led to the withdrawal of the seaplane flight, and the station is no longer in use.