§ 36. Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the evolution of a satisfactory Empire air base either at Southampton, Langstone, or elsewhere; and whether he can make a statement on this subject?
Captain BalfourI regret I am not yet able to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Lyons) on 1st June, except to say that I hope to visit Southampton with officers of my Department in this connection on Friday.
§ Mr. BoothbyIn view of the great advantages of the establishment of a base at Portsmouth, would it not be possible to resume negotiations with the Portsmouth Council?
Captain BalfourAll these alternative proposals have their particular merits according to their characteristics, and I 209 wish to go to Southampton in order to make first-hand acquaintance with this problem and the advantages and disadvantages which that place has in relation to the other proposals.