HC Deb 22 May 1924 vol 173 cc2392-3
42. Mr. EMLYN-JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the invention known as the death ray; whether he is aware that a French syndicate has been formed with a view to the acquisition of the patent; and whether he will take steps at once to ascertain the value of the patent from the point of view of aerial defence and prevent its passing out of British hands?

43. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the invention of a so-called death ray stated to be of potential value in aerial warfare; whether the Air Ministry has taken any steps to invite the inventor to demonstrate his invention; if so, what opinion has been formed of it; and what steps are being taken to secure any benefit from this invention to His Majesty's forces?

90. Mr. GREENE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to an invention known as the death ray, by means of which the engines of hostile aeroplanes can be stopped and explosives ignited; whether he is aware that the inventor has failed to find a purchaser of the invention in this country and that he is about to sell it to a foreign firm; and whether he will take steps to have the invention tested with a view to purchase by the nation before it shall have been acquired by a foreign firm or Power?

Mr. LEACH

My attention has been called to the claims made for the invention referred to, and the Air Ministry is in touch with Mr. Grindell-Matthews. But for the present it is inadvisable to make any full statement upon the matter.

Mr. LORIMER

Was this invention offered to the British Government?

Mr. LEACH

I cannot answer that.

Mr. GREENE

Does the hon. Gentleman admit that this invention will, in all probability, be more effectual in repelling hostile aircraft than all babbling-beatitudes and high moral gestures?

Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

Are the Government taking steps to prevent the use of this diabolical device?

Mr. MONTAGUE

Has the inventor shown a very high moral attitude in the matter?