§ 20. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government of the Union of South Africa have placed with the Air Ministry a contract for material for the erection of a standard mooring mast in South Africa for the use of the new Empire airships; what is the total cost of such material; and will the whole cost of this be defrayed by the South African Government?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)As regards the first two parts of the question, the Government of the Union of South Africa have requested the Air Ministry to place on their behalf a contract for a mooring mast base in that country, but the details have not yet been settled. The actual expense that will be involved cannot therefore be definitely stated. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Colonel DAYCan the Under-Secretary say whether the Air Ministry has been requested by any other Government to provide mooring masts?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThat does not arise out of this question, but I believe the Government of Canada have asked for mooring masts.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan my hon. Friend say whether these mooring masts are now being made with lifts? Is he aware that hon. Members who went to Pulham about a year and a-half ago found that the climb of a hundred and forty foot vertical ladder rather a bit of a strain?