§ 53. Mr. Burkeasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the House information regarding the alleged sabotage on bombing-planes at Ringway Aerodrome, used by the Fairey Aviation Company?
§ 54. Mr. Dayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air particulars of the cases of sabotage in the construction of aircraft being built under Government contracts that have been brought to his notice during the previous three months; and can he say what action has been taken?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadOn 14th February, when two aircraft were about to be tested at Ringway Aerodrome, it was discovered that the petrol tanks of the machines were leaking. The matter was investigated and the conclusion reached that the defective tanks had been pierced maliciously by a sharp instrument. Investigations are still proceeding. Apart from this case, no cases of sabotage in the construction of aircraft have been brought to my notice during the past three months.
§ Mr. BurkeDoes the Under-Secretary realise the necessity, when the public use an aerodrome, for adequate protection and safeguards for the aeroplanes?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI think that that necessity is generally recognised.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI cannot answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. DayHave the Ministry any reason to suspect that these acts were carried out by the agents of a foreign organisation or a foreign Power?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI would not go so far as to say that. I said in my answer that investigations are proceeding into the whole circumstances.