§ 59. Mr. Kellyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether there is a resident engineer representing the Air Ministry engaged in each district where aerodromes are being constructed for the Air Ministry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadYes, Sir.
§ Mr. KellyIs this engineer given authority to clear up difficulties that may arise in the course of construction without having to refer every little thing back to the Air Ministry or the Office of Works?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe engineer has a certain power of discretion, but I cannot answer the question categorically without knowing to what type of difficulties the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. KellyIn view of the difficulties and the consequent delays that have occurred, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the matter to see whether these engineers are given sufficient authority to proceed with the work?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadPerhaps the best thing would be for the hon. Member to give me the instances which he has in mind.
§ 60. Mr. Kellyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of aerodromes in course of construction for his Department, and whether the progress of construction is satisfactory?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadForty-three aerodromes are in course of construction, All things considered, progress must be regarded as satisfactory although this particular form of building is not, of course, free from the difficulties being experienced in the building world generally.
§ Mr. KellyIs it a fact that skilled men have been discharged from this work at the same time that we have been told that it has not been possible for the Department to obtain the services of skilled men; and why is it that this work is being so badly managed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI am not aware that it is being badly managed. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I have no knowledge of the particular cases to which the hon. Member refers.