§ 40. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if a decision has yet been reached as to whether the R 100 is to be dismantled and the air base at Cardington closed; whether he can state the number of Government staff employed in this work; and whether any final decision has been arrived at with reference to this airship?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAs regards the first and last parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave him on 5th November and 11th February last, to which at present I have nothing to add. On the second part of the question, the total personnel now employed at Cardington is approximately 450.
§ Mr. DAYCan the hon. Member say with regard to the rest of the men whether they have been found employment in the Service?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEFor some of the men employment has been found, and, in addition, certain work has been transferred from other stations to Cardington in order to employ as many as possible there.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSWill the hon. Member consider the advisability of awaiting the report on R 101 before coming to a decision on this matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThat certainly will be done.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWill the hon. Member consider using the Cardington base for heavier-than-air craft?