§ 45. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the construction of the balloon barrage to defend London has been commenced; and whether he will have it tested to prove its efficiency?
§ The MINISTER for the COORDINATION of DEFENCE (Sir Thomas Inskip)The orders have been placed and delivery will begin at the end of this year.
§ Mr. GARRO JONESWill these nets be of the same design as those used during the War, as on the only occasion on which any aircraft flew into one, the aircraft destroyed the net instead of the net destroying the aircraft?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's statement.
Mr. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to look into it, because I can assure him that that was the case?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is examined frequently and closely.
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSBut you have not had a test yet, have you?
§ 46. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what methods there are for defending London against a low-flying aerial attack, antiaircraft artillery and a balloon barrage being ineffective against such an attack?
§ Sir T. INSKIPWhile I do not accept the premises on which my hon. Friend bases his question, it would be contrary to the public interest to discuss the matter he raises.
§ 47. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence under the charge of what units of the Regular or Territorial Army the balloon barrage to defend London will be?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe Air Ministry will be responsible for the balloon barrage, and units will be organised on the same lines as the present Auxiliary Air Force organisations.