§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total initial cost of the 80 motor boats supplied by the Air Ministry for use by Imperial Airways, Limited, and the total annual cost of their maintenance?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe total initial cost of the motor boats in question amounts to approximately £124,000, of which about £34,000 will be contributed by local governments.
I am not sure what items the hon. Member intends to cover by the term "maintenance," and in view of the hypothetical factors involved it is not practicable to give any firm figure. The total annual cost, inclusive of maintenance of the boats and operating costs, is expected to be in the neighbourhood of £60,000, of which about £36,000 will be borne by the Air Ministry and the remainder by local governments.