HC Deb 20 March 1929 vol 226 cc1723-4
20. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made by the Dominion Governments for the erection of standard mooring-masts for the use of Empire airships?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I understand that the present position is as follows: His Majesty's Government in Canada have erected a mooring-tower at St. Hubert, Montreal, and hope that it will be finally completed early in May. His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have acquired a site for the erection of a mooring-tower at Grautville, Natal, but construction has not yet begun. As regards India, it is expected, as I stated in my Memorandum accompanying the Air Estimates, that the mooring-tower at Karachi will be completed during the summer.

Colonel WOODCOCK

May I remind my right hon. Friend that a year ago he told us that the plant was ordered for a mooring-mast for South Africa, and why has it taken so long to prepare?

Sir S. HOARE

I think that question ought to be directed to the Government of South Africa. What I can tell my hon. and gallant Friend is that I think the mooring-mast will be ready when we are in a position to make flights to South Africa.