HC Deb 08 May 1929 vol 227 c2166
2. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make any statement regarding the use of Pembroke Dockyard by the air or naval forces of the Crown?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

It has now been definitely decided that the Air Ministry shall take over Pembroke Dockyard as an Air Station. The development of this as of any other air base must of course be a gradual process, but I understand that the Air Ministry are proceeding with the preliminary arrangements.

Captain GARRO-JONES

While this announcement may give some satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town, will the First Lord, in order to avoid any disappointment, make a plain statement as to the extent to which employment is to be provided?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No, Sir. That is a matter for the Air Ministry, and not for my Department. As I have said, and as my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary said before, it will take some little time to develop the air base. They are beginning now, and any other questions regarding the rapidity of the progress of the work must be addressed to the Secretary of State for Air and not to me.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Are any further steps contemplated by the Government to discharge their duty to the inhabitants of this town? May I have an answer to that question?