asked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House of the result of the investigation on the proposed Imperial airship service by the Committee presided over by the First Lord of the Admiralty; if the result of this investigation is satisfactory, will he indicate the intentions of the Government at an early date, in view of the urgency of improving Empire communication.

The report of this investigation is now before the Government, which is, however, not yet in a position to announce its decision.

Would not an airship service give employment to a certain number of people, and could it not be considered in relation to the Government proposals for the relief of unemployment?

The question will be considered as soon as we possibly can. That is all I can say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the position at Bedford—affecting the employment of 1,500 men—where unemployment is rife, in connection with the airship scheme?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.