§ 66. Sir E. BEAUCHAMPasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the anti-aircraft defences of Lowestoft are under the control of the naval authorities; and, if so, whether he can say how soon after the German aeroplanes first appeared over the town, on Sunday, 20th February, our aeroplanes, if any, were sent up in pursuit?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Under-Secretary of State for War stated in Debate, on 16th February, the arrangements made under which the Navy undertake to deal with all hostile aircraft attempting to reach this country, whilst the Army undertake to deal with all such craft which reach these shores.
In this particular case, machines went up from the nearest air station to Lowestoft ten minutes after the hostile aeroplanes arrived at Lowestoft.
This is shown in the communication issued by the Press Bureau on 20th February.