§ Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for Air if the two scientists who were examining the plans of the two new airships in 1927 have completed their examination of the Burney ship R 100 and have reported; if the scheme of factors for safety as laid down in the Report of the Airworthiness of Airships Panel has been adhered to; if the maximum structural weight of 90 tons allowed in the contract for this airship has been exceeded; and if formal approval has been given to the design of this airship by the Air Ministry?
§ Sir S. HOAREIn reply to the first part of the question, the report of the two scientists has not yet been received, but I understand that their examination is practically complete. Until this report is received I am not in a position to answer the second and third parts of the question. As regards the last part of the question, no formal approval of the design of the airship is necessary, but it must comply with the stipulations in the contract, which include the airworthiness requirements on which the two scientists are reporting.