§ 55. Captain BENNETT - GOLDNEYasked the Prime Minister whether, as apparently an entire fleet of Zeppelins has again been permitted to fly, with one exception, unmolested over several English counties and towns, he will consider the desirability of introducing fresh legislation to permit of a more equitable system of State-aided insurance against risks of injury or loss by enemy air raids; and, as although in contradiction to official prewar prophecies there appears to be no immediate likelihood of preventing enemy aircraft from inflicting injury and loss upon the non-military populations concerned, if he will also consider the question of State obligation to compensate near relatives of persons who may be killed and injured by Zeppelins or other aircraft?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir, I do not think fresh legislation is called for on this matter. I may point out that in the two latest raids no casualties and no substantial damage were caused.
§ 69. Mr. ASHLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a certain Royal Naval Air Service establishment was not 491 informed of the Zeppelin raid on the night of 28th July; whether, in consequence, no machines were sent up though they were ready; whether this was owing to no instructions from the Director of Air Services having been received; whether explosions of bombs were distinctly heard and assumed to be gun practice; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe attention of the Admiralty was at once called to the omission referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question by the officer in charge of the air station. The Admiralty immediately proceeded to deal with it.