§ 84. Mr. LYNCHasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can name the date on which any aeroplane or any Zeppelin has been brought down by the anti-aircraft guns of London, as apart from attack by aeroplanes; and whether the War Office is satisfied with the present rangefinders, guns, and the general conduct of the defence of London?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo hostile aeroplane has been shot down by the anti-aircraft guns of London. A Zeppelin was shot down on 31st March, 1916, and another one on 24th September, 1916, by these guns. The War Office is never satis- 17 lied as long as improvement is possible; the anti-aircraft defences of London as well as those of the remainder of the country are constantly being improved.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs not this a case where the War Office is inefficient, and is hiding its responsibility behind a great newspaper reputation?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not think that is the case.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask if the hon. Gentleman is satisfied with the air defences of London against air attack or aeroplanes at present? Has there been any improvement since the last attack?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think my hon. Friend will find an answer to that in the last part of the answer I have just given.