§ 28. Mr. BROOKESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now satisfied that he has at his disposal all necessary means for dealing with the Zeppelin attacks; and, if not, whether he is taking adequate measures to obtain them?
§ Major BAIRDI regret that I cannot add anything to the written answer which I gave on the 31st July to my hon. Friend, wherein I stated that the development of the air defences of the country has made great progress, and is proceeding as rapidly as the manufacturing output and the needs of our forces abroad permit.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the hon. Gentleman say whether that still holds good after last night's raid; whether women 1054 and children were killed last night; and whether that is likely to recur under the existing organisation of the defences?
§ Major BAIRDIt still holds good, and all the more! The hon. Member must know that these unfortunate things cannot be avoided in time of war. We are greatly improving the defences, and I think the Germans are more aware of it than anybody else.