§ 32. Mr. LOGANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the balloon barrage scheme recently decided on by the Government for protecting London against hostile air raids is the result of the defensive measures put forward in September, 1935, by Mr. C. Morris, of 62, Empire Street, Liverpool; and what recognition, if any, apart from the postcard acknowledgement sent to him on 21st September, 1935, has he received?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe suggestions put forward by Mr. Morris did not include any novel feature of practical utility. A letter informing him to that effect and thanking him for the trouble which he had taken was addressed to him on 26th September, 1935.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this notice has been 1246 given to the House about half a dozen other persons claim also to have been the instigators of it, and state that it is due to their initiative that this has been brought into practice; and can he say whether there is any truth in the statement that anybody outside brought this to the notice of the Department and never received any compensation?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI am not at all aware that so many claimants are in the field, but it is quite obvious that none of them can possibly be successful claimants, because the scheme for the balloon barrage was used for the defence of London as far back as 1918.
§ Mr. LOGANIs it true, then, to say that a Mr. Diamond, of Carlisle, in 1913 submitted to the Department exactly what is now in use, because he sent me a letter yesterday saying that he did so?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe question on the Order Paper refers to Mr. Morris.