HC Deb 31 March 1927 vol 204 cc1427-8
85. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the two airships to be constructed at Cardington and Howden, respectively, are to be rigid or non-rigid constructions; and will he state what materials are to be used for the framework?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

The answer to the first part of the question is that both airships will be of the rigid type; to the second, that both duralumin and stainless steel are being used in the framework of the Cardington airship and duralumin in that of the Howden airship.

Mr. HARDIE

Are we to understand that work has already begun on the framework?

Sir P. SASSOON

Oh, yes, it has been begun.

87. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of airships which have been constructed to date in this country, their total cost, and the number of miles flown by each of them?

Sir P. SASSOON

I assume that the hon. Member refers to rigid airships only. On this assumption the number constructed or partially constructed was 19, at a cost of between three and a-half and four millions sterling. Figures for the number of miles flown by each of these vessels are not available.

88. Mr. SMITH

also asked the Secretary of State for Air when the two air ships at present under construction will be ready for service?

Sir P. SASSOON

It is not possible to give firm dates. The airships cannot be ready for service until they have completed exhaustive trials. I have already stated in my memorandum accompanying Air Estimates that both airships should be flying in 1928.