§ 54. Captain BENNETT - GOLDNEYasked the Prime Minister whether his at-tenton has been drawn to the increased height at which the newest Zeppelins are now able to fly; and if, although it may be undesirable now to let the public or the enemy know whether the effective range of the anti-aircraft guns now in use at home is sufficient to serve any useful purpose against Zeppelins flying at altitudes over 12,000 feet, he can reassure the populations chiefly concerned by a disclosure as to whether we may expect any genuine improvement in the real adequacy and efficiency of our anti-aircraft defences outside the area of London in the near future?
§ Major BAIRDThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. As was recently indicated in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Mile End, the development of the air defences of the country is proceeding as rapidly as the manufacturing output and the needs of the Navy and of our forces in the field permit. This development applies not to the London area only, but to the country as a whole. I am afraid that I cannot add anything to that statement.
§ Major BAIRDI should like notice of that question.