HC Deb 24 July 1924 vol 176 cc1502-3
37. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Secretary of State for Air and any other Members of the Cabinet will take passage to Egypt in the reconditioned military airship?

Mr. LEACH

I am afraid that my Noble Friend's and his colleagues' movements cannot be pledge so far in advance of the event.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will the Air Ministry bear in mind the special responsibility of the Cabinet in overriding the previous decision of the Air Ministry?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not fact that this airship would hold the entire Cabinet?

38. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the cost of reconditioning the military airship for her voyage to Egypt; what date it is anticipated she will be ready for the trip; and what additional accommodation ashore or afloat, involving expense to the Air Ministry or other Departments, is proposed in connection with the trip?

Mr. LEACH

In answer to the first part of the question, it is estimated that the cost of reconditioning the airship for tropical trials at the intermediate base will be, approximately, £20,000. As regards the second and third parts, I am not in a position to say when the airship will be ready for these trials, nor is it possible, pending the final settlement of the site of the intermediate base, to state what expenditure will be necessary for accommodation, except that it is not likely to be large.