§ 46. Mr. DAYasked the Prime Minister which of the Government Departments have been entrusted with the arrangements for the defence of London; and which Department will be in charge of the same, and will the Minister for Coordinating Defence be responsible to the Government and this House for the coordination of these arrangements?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe air defence of London forms part of the arrangements of the Air Defence of Great Britain, which are under the operational control of an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief—Air Squadrons and the Observer Corps being provided by the Air Ministry, and guns and lights by the War Office. Co-ordination of these arrangements is already established and is primarily the responsibility of the Air Ministry; but any major questions in regard to them would be proper to the Co-ordinating Minister.
§ Mr. DAYCan the Prime Minister say whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing any of these arrangements before they are finally settled?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt the hon. Member could find a suitable opportunity.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think there is any real possibility in the very near future of abolishing bombing aeroplanes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI wish there were.
§ Mr. MAXTONIn saying that the hon. Member will find an opportunity, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that yesterday, on the discussion of the Air Estimates, hon. Members were deliberately and definitely precluded by the Chair from discussing the plans of London defence on the understanding that they were not the responsibility of the Air Ministry, but of the War Office?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe matter could certainly be raised on the Adjournment, and, although I would not like to commit myself, I imagine it could be raised on the Consolidated Fund Bill also.
§ 64. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have taken steps to ensure that the heavy additional demand which will be made upon the banking system to carry out the requirements of our Defence Forces, as outlined in Command Paper 5107, will not have the effect of increasing rates of interest or withholding banking facilities required by general industry; and will he reassure the House that the policy of the Government will continue to be one which will maintain cheap money?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I see no reason to suppose that the requirements of our Defence Forces will have any adverse effect in the direction indicated or will interfere with the maintenance of a policy of cheap money.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISIf there are indications that the additional demands to be made will make a difference in regard to financial facilities, may we be assured that the Government will take some action?