§ 73. Mr. ROSEasked the Secretary of State for Air if the airship now under experiment at Cardington is to be inflated by helium or hydrogen gas; and the estimated cost of 5,000,000 cubic feet, respectively, of these gases?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)In answer to the first part of the question, the airship will be inflated with hydrogen. As regards the second part, the estimated cost of 5,000,000 cubic feet of hydrogen is £2,500; the cost of helium would be very much greater, but no exact data are available.
§ Mr. WELLSCan the hon. Member say whether they have started to build the airship at Cardington yet?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe erection of the hull is not yet commenced, but the construction of component parts is in hand.