§ 87. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Under-Secretary for War what officer has been made immediately responsible, under the Field Marshal Commanding the Home Forces, for organising the offensive and defensive protection of the country against hostile aircraft; whether in assigning that responsibility due provision has been made for expert knowledge of the best kind in regard both to gunnery and aircraft and the perfecting of their adaptability to the purpose; and to whom inquiries which require an immediate reply are to be addressed?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces is himself responsible for organising the protection of the United Kingdom against hostile aircraft. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The Field Marshal has at his disposal the advice of the beat experts, not only in gunnery and aviation, but also in many other services of equal importance to aerial defence. It must be obvious that measures which are taken for the anti aircraft defence of the country are military operations of great importance, and, in common with other operations of a like nature, their efficiency depends-largely upon the amount of secrecy maintained
§ Sir H. CRAIKThe right hon. Gentle man has not answered the last part of my question, as to whom inquiries requiring an immediate reply should be addressed?
§ Mr. TENNANTI was not aware of the nature of the inquiries my hon. Friend had in view, but obviously such inquiries should be addressed to the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces.
§ Sir H. CRAIKLocal authorities have difficulty in obtaining immediate advice, and where it is essential they should get it, to whom should they apply?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe nearest person, no doubt, would be the military authority in command of the district, who is, of course, under the command of the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.