§ 53. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that efficient anti-aircraft defence is and will be an element of growing importance 2102 in the permanent defences of the country, adequate facilities have been given by the establishment of suitable experimental stations for working out the technical problems connected with anti-aircraft gunnery on lines similar to those by which the Navy was enabled before the War to solve with so high a measure of success the technical problems of long-range gunnery at moving targets at sea?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)At the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness, there are full facilities for working out all the technical problems connected with anti-aircraft gunnery. The subject is also dealt with in the Munitions and Design Departments of the Ministry of Munitions.
§ 72. Mr. GILBERTasked the Home Secretary if the Government has come to any decision as regards giving warnings to London in the case of enemy air raids; if so, can he state what method they propose to adopt; and in what manner will their instructions be issued to the public?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Government have decided forthwith to set up machinery for obtaining (so far as possible) reliable in-formation as to any enemy aircraft which may be actually approaching London, with a view to giving public warning of their approach. For this purpose, it will be necessary to establish a wide circle of observation posts and to provide rapid telephonic communication with a central office from which the directions for a public warning will be issued; and arrangements for these purposes are now being made. The method by which warning can best be given to the public is under consideration. As soon as the arrangements are completed, a public announcement will be made.
§ Mr. GILBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman state when he will be able to give any definite information to the public?
§ Sir G. CAVEAny definite information of steps in regard to the change?
§ Mr. GILBERTAs to how the warning is to be given.
§ Sir G. CAVEWe are considering that, and will make an announcement very shortly.
§ Mr. GILBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when?
§ Mr. FRANCEIn the proposed system does the right hon. Gentleman include warnings to large works other than munition works containing a number of female workers who are anxious to have actual warning of the approach of aircraft?
§ Sir G. CAVEThis refers only to public warnings.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he knows that aircraft were approaching London this morning, and if anybody had any warning?
§ Sir G. CAVENo, Sir; I did not know that.
§ Sir F. LOWEHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of setting all the telephone bells all over London ringing?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat kind of warning would not reach the people in the streets.
§ Sir C. K1NLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether telephonic communication will be at once cut off directly these warnings are given?
§ Sir G. CAVESpecial facilities will be given for telephone messages which, are intended for the purpose of giving information and assistance. Subject to that the ordinary practice will go on.
§ Mr. J. MASONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that hospitals get at least as good warning as Government Departments?
§ Sir G. CAVEI believe that the General Headquarters, Home Forces, do endeavour to obtain that result.
§ 93. Mr. G. FABERasked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board if he can state whether any British aeroplanes were lost or damaged in the German air raid on this country of the 7th July instant?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid that it would not be in the national interest to make any information public on this point, but I will inform my hon. Friend privately.
§ Mr. FABERWhile accepting the answer of the hon. Gentleman, is it a fact that on the 7th of July, when certain of our aeroplanes tried to rise from Hendon aerodrome it was discovered that their engines had been tampered with?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid that I cannot answer that question.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the hon. Gentleman prepared to repeat his statement of yesterday that the War Office are not prepared to make any inquiry as to what took place at Hendon?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI never made any such statement. Whenever any necessity for an inquiry arises there will always be an inquiry.
§ Mr. HOGGEI will raise this point on the Adjournment to-night. Last night there was no Adjournment.