§ 53. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, with a view of demonstrating the possibility of further aerial warfare, he will see that in the next aerial pageant organised by his Department, besides the demonstrations of the bombing of warships and tanks, there shall be demonstrations of the bombing of the residences of noncombatants?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major Sir Philip Sassoon)I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative.
§ Captain BRASSDo you, Sir, consider that this is a question which should have been asked, insinuating, as it does, that His Majesty's Forces bomb non-combatants?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think it does carry an imputation which is not usually allowed in questions.
§ Mr. LEES SMITHOn a point of Order. Is it not a fact that this question does not indicate that this bombing is by this country any more than by our enemies?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would rather not give other than a considered opinion on the point.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that the British Air Force does bomb unarmed people in Iraq or elsewhere?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not expect me to express an opinion on that.