§ 30 and 31. Captain BURGOYNEasked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board (1) whether there is any constant air patrol along the East coast; if 315 so, whether there is any explanation as to why the recent raid which took place in full daylight was not dealt with before reaching Folkestone; (2) why, although many seaplanes lay ready for instant service in Dover Harbour, no orders were given to the pilots until twenty minutes after the hostile machines employed in the recent German air raid had gone over?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)These Questions deal with matters within the purview of the Admiralty. I have therefore been asked to take them. If my hon. and gallant Friend will place himself in communication with either the Fifth Sea Lord or myself, we shall be glad to give him all the detailed information upon the points which he raises.
§ 32. Captain BURGOYNEasked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether the watching of the Kent coast is largely vested in men drawn from Infantry battalions quartered in the several districts; whether these men have the slightest knowledge of detail distinctions between British and hostile air craft; and what provision is given them to spot aircraft passing over at heights up to 20,000 feet?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe information asked for in all three parts of the question cannot be given publicly.
§ 33. Captain BURGOYNEasked whether the hostile aircraft employed during the recent raid were observed passing over certain parts of Essex; and, if so, why, in the circumstances, no warning what ever was sent out to Dover and Folkestone when it must have been known that these, amongst other towns, were their objective?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIt would not be in the public interest to discuss the system of warning; but my hon. and gallant Friend must not assume that Dover and Folkestone were the actual objectives of the raid.