§ 34. Sir Hugh Seelyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is still the intention of His Majesty's Government to adopt a balloon barrage for the air defence of London?
§ Sir P. SassoonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MontagueIs this balloon barrage to be a permanent institution, or do we wait for the declaration of war?
§ Sir P. SassoonWe are going on with the arrangements for this balloon barrage as quickly as we can.
§ 35. Sir H. Seelyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether delivery of balloons for the barrage defence of London began before the end of 1936, as promised by the Air Ministry; and how many have been delivered up to date?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I hardly think it would be in the public interest to give figures, but I am able to say that satisfactory deliveries have been made.
§ Sir H. SeelyWhat is the cause of the delay?
§ Sir P. SassoonThere is no delay.
§ 36. Sir H. Seelyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry intends to adopt for the balloon barrage defence of London the improved Ariel type of balloon used by the French Government; and whether any negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary patents are taking place or have been concluded?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe type to which the hon. Member refers is not that for which orders have been placed.
§ Sir H. SeelyIs it not a fact that negotiations have been going on for over a year?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe type of balloon that has been decided upon by the Air staff for the defence of London is the one they considered most suitable for the purpose.
§ Sir H. SeelyIs it not a fact that it has been stated publicly that the Ariel type can go up 25,000 feet while the one that the Government have selected goes up only 8,000 feet?
§ Sir P. SassoonIt depends on the height you want to have them.
§ Sir H. SeelyIs it a fact that it has been decided that this barrage balloon for the defence of London is to be limited to 8,000 feet and not to 25,000 feet?
§ Mr. MontagueWill the right hon. Baronet answer the question as to the purpose of the Ministry? Surely the Ministry has considered whether it is to be a permanent institution, or upon what ground it is going to put up the barrage? Cannot we know that?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonYou do not want them on the ground. You want them in the air.
§ Sir P. SassoonThe purpose of the barrage is, obviously, to defend London.