§ Major CHURCHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what facilities, if any, exist for training the necessary personnel in the use of engines of the type carried by the airship R101 other than those actually in use on the R101?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI am not sure what my hon, and gallant Friend has in mind.476W The engineer crew of R101 consists at present of three watches of men who have been trained in the use of the engines both at the maker's works and in the airship.
§ Major CHURCHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is satisfied that the personnel of the airship R 101 as regards numbers is adequate to requirements; and whether he will consider the advisability of increasing the personnel to bring it to three-watch strength?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEMy hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. The crew personnel was recruited on a full three-watch basis before the recent flying operations began, and there were three officers available for duty. Further operational experience is necessary before the numbers required can be finally settled.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the airship R 101 is now definitely housed for the winter months; and what is the estimated cost of maintenance during that period?
§ Mr. MONTAGUER 101 will remain in the shed while R 100 is at the only mooring mast available. During this period certain modifications will be carried out which may require some time for their completion. Apart from the cost of these modifications, maintenance charges will be negligible, as the crew will be usefully employed.