31. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the attack and defence of bridge or tunnel heads is no longer a purely military problem but has been modified by the new factor of aerial warfare, he will arrange for the Committee of Imperial Defence to inquire into the advisability of constructing the Channel Tunnel?
§ 41. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the attitude adopted by the military authorities towards the establishment of a steamship service between this country and the Continent, he will give this House an opportunity of discussing the question of a Channel tunnel before rejecting it on the advice of the military or naval authorities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn view of the financial position of the country, His Majesty's Government are not at present prepared to consider the question of the construction of the Channel Tunnel. Having regard to the rapid progress being 822 made in aerial science, no useful purpose could be served by instituting an inquiry by the Committee of Imperial Defence until it is necessary to take a definite decision on the question.