§ Viscount CURZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the flying warship now under construction on Southampton Water is being constructed according to Admiralty requirements and specifications; and, if not, are the Admiralty in complete touch with all details as to its construction and fittings?
Captain GUESTI have been asked to reply. By the term flying warship, assume that my Noble and gallant Friend has in mind the flying boat referred to in his question of the 27th July, in answer to which I informed him that it was only a flying boat hull that was under construction. The construction of this hull is simply one stage in the gradual development of the policy which has been frequently thought out and discussed with the Admiralty of producing flying boats which can carry out a prolonged cruise. It is the duty of the Air Ministry to arrange for the construction of such experimental boats as are necessary for this development, and it is for this purpose that the hull referred to has been produced. There is no lack of co-operation with the Admiralty in the matter.