§ 40. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the total bomb-carrying capacity of the 16 bombing squadrons which form part of the Home Defence Air Force?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt would not be in the public interest to give tin's information.
§ 43. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the inclusion of a preponderance of bombing squadrons in the Home Defence Air Force, he will state the function of such bombing squadrons in the scheme of home defence?
§ Sir S. HOAREIs would not be in the public interest to give this information.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public are very interested in knowing what the arrangements are to kill others?
§ Mr. THURTLEMay we take it as certain that these bombing squadrons are not intended for service in this country?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that the doctrine of war is that offence is the best form of defence, and why does the right hon. Gentleman not admit that honestly?
§ Sir S. HOAREI do not think that question arises out of the question on the Paper. I do not think it is necessary for me to explain to the House the principles of air warfare, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman is, I think, fully aware of them.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs not the use of bombing squadrons to bomb the other people first, and why not say so?