§ Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for Air to what company, and for what airship, was the sum of £60,000 paid during 1925 and the £30,000 in this year's Estimate?
§ Sir S. HOAREI assume the hon. Member is referring to the amounts of £60,000 and £30,000 appearing for "Purchase of Airships" at page 30 of the Air Estimates, 1926. Both were taken for payments to the Airship Guarantee Company, Limited, for the purchase of the R.100. The former sum, though estimated for, was not earned and no payment was actually made in 1925. As regards the latter sum, it is expected that an instalment of £30,000 will mature for payment under the contract before the end of the present financial year.