§ 41. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the expenditure incurred to date on the construction of the new Dhibban air station for the Royal Air Force in Iraq; in what state at present are the buildings; what firm of main contractors are carrying out the work; and whether, in view of the low-lying locality of the site and the fact that the soil is once cultivated alluvial, he is satisfied that this station is likely to be a healthy one for the personnel there quartered?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe expenditure actually incurred to date is approximately £13,500. Only the preliminary services, such as a labour camp and temporary water and electric light supplies are at present in hand; the main contracts for the construction of the cantonment have not yet been placed. The site was selected after an exhaustive survey of the district, and on the advice of the responsible medical authorities my Noble Friend is satisfied that it is likely to prove a healthy one.
§ Captain BALFOURMay I ask whether it is intended to proceed with the plans for the construction of this air station?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes.
§ Mr. MANDERHave the Government considered the possibility of negotiating with the Iraq Government for the retention of the present air station and so save this quite unnecessary expenditure?