HC Deb 24 November 1927 vol 210 cc2061-2
56. Mr. ROSE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the cost in excess of the original stipulation of the Cardington-Howden airship scheme and the failure to deliver the airships within 18 months of the contract time of delivering, he will institute an inquiry into this branch of public expenditure?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand that many unexpected technical difficulties have been encountered and these emphasise the importance of proceeding cautiously from stage to stage. The Government do not feel it necessary to add to the existing machinery for scrutiny of the expenditure upon the airship scheme including any scrutiny which the Estimates Committee or the Public Accounts Committee may see fit to make.