§ 67. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the R100 can be rehoused at Howden without first being trimmed and ballasted at a mooring mast at that station; and what is the estimated cost of a mooring mast?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)As regards the first part of the question, I think my hon. and gallant Friend must be under some misapprehension; the trim of an airship riding at a mast is different from that required for her housing in a shed, and consequently she has to be retrimmed for this purpose after she has left the mast. As regards the second part of the question, the cost of a mooring tower is approximately £51,000, if similar to that erected at Cardington, or £44,000 if certain features are omitted.
§ 68. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements he proposes to make for rehousing the R100 if no mooring mast is available at Howden, since R101 will be in the Cardington shed; and will he state if the R101 can, when completed, be housed at Howden?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, it is proposed to construct a second shed at Cardington, and this shed will be available for rehousing R100 during her trials, which will be carried out from the Cardington mast. As regards the second part of the question, the height of R101 will not permit of her being housed at Howden.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHCan the right hon. Gentleman give us a rough estimate of the cost of the new shed?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. and gallant Member will see the figures set out in the Estimate. They are included in the Estimate for this year, and I think the amount is something over £100,000.