HC Deb 14 September 1915 vol 74 cc10-1
4. Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what decision, if any, has now been reached in respect of the suggested transference of the Anti-Aircraft (London) Corps from the Admiralty to the War Office?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

No decision on this question has been arrived at; but, as my hon. Friend will have noticed, Admiral Sir Percy Scott has been appointed by the Admiralty to take charge of the gunnery defences of London against attack by enemy aircraft, and has already taken up his duties.

Mr. BOOTH

Are we to understand that the Government is now for the first time seriously considering the defence of the Metropolis?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot be supposed to accept the suggestion contained in that question.

Sir F. LOWE

Has the manner in which Paris has been defended against aircraft been fully considered by the Admiralty, and have any steps been taken to adopt adequate defence measures for the City of London?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I think the hon. Gentleman will see that it would be manifestly impossible for me in the public interest to enter into any discussion on that topic.

Sir F. LOWE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it would be improper for him to consider the manner in which Paris has successfully defended itself against these air raids? It seems to me that it would be in the public interest that we should do so.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman offer any valid reason why the appointment of this distinguished gentleman was not made earlier?

Mr. KING

May we take it that the appointment of Sir Percy Scott indicates that this service will be under the Admiralty and not under the War Office—that it will be retained by the Admiralty?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Sir Percy Scott has been appointed by the Admiralty, and for the time being, at any rate, this is under the Admiralty. I have said I can give no undertaking about earlier proposals.