34. Mr. ERNEST WINTERTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the annoyance and loss of sleep caused by the recent all-night air battle over London, he will take steps to arrange the air manoeuvres in future so as to avoid a recurrence of this?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAs my hon. Friend knows, the recent air exercises were of a quite exceptional character. Such exercises are moreover of short duration and are essential for the training of units of the Royal Air Force in their duties in defence of the Capital. I may add that the ordinary night flying practice of units is usually completed before midnight.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYCould not these exercises be made more realistic by dropping a few dummy bombs?
Mr. WINTERTONIs my hon. Friend aware that great numbers of people were unable to sleep during the night?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that they could not sleep at all if the Air Force were not efficient?