§ 45. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a debate for the discussion of the report on the R.101 inquiry at an early date?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)If there is a general desire for such a debate it can take place on the appropriate Vote.
§ Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONBefore the country is committed to any policy in relation to airships, I hope we may have a long discussion on this subject.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, my answer provides for a whole day.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the Prime Minister: Is it intended to announce the Government's policy in regard to airships when it is arrived at?
§ Mr. CAMPBELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the percentage of rejections is lower or greater since the War?
§ Mr. SHAWI should like the hon. Member to look at the figures, but, speaking from memory, I should say that the percentage is higher since the War.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs not the standard much higher than before the War?
§ Following are the figures:
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.
§ Mr. WELLSWill the Prime Minister see that no decision is come to before a discussion takes place on future policy in regard to airships?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA decision will be come to before the debate; otherwise, the House would debate nothing at all. The decision will be announced in the House when it is come to.
§ Sir W. BRASSHas the right hon. Gentleman considered how much it costs to maintain the R.100 at the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that I have not gone into that matter, but the whole question is being examined.