§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for Air why the airship station at Polegate has not yet been closed down in view of the fact that it was stated in the House in October last that it was then in the course of being evacuated; whether his Department intend to retain it permanently; what is the cost of maintaining it; how many men are employed there; and with what object?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe airship station at Polegate was disbanded on the 6th February, 1920, and has been in the hands of two caretakers until recently. It is not intended to retain this station permanently. The cost of maintenance, therefore, includes nothing but the pay of the two caretakers, that is, a sum of £5 10s. per week. A working party of 45 men and 2 officers has, however, recently been sent there (as I have already explained in my answer to my hon. Friend at Question Time to-day) to pack and dispatch certain airships and stores, a part of a gift to Colonial and Dominion Governments, the cost of the work being charged to the Governments concerned. When this work is completed the station will be handed over to the Disposal Board.