HC Deb 22 January 1924 vol 169 c689
8. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether, in view of the extensive use in the future of airships and aircraft by and in conjunction with naval forces, and the interdependance of both these arms of the defensive forces of the country for the common good, he will consider the construction and repair of airships and aircraft at His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth, which is well situated for the purpose?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Samuel Hoare)

As regards the construction and repair of aircraft for the Royal Air Force, the policy of the Air Ministry is still as stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 26th July last. As regards airships, the question does not arise since the construction of airships by the Government is not at present in contemplation and negotiations for handing over existing facilities for construction to a commercial company are in progress.