§ 44. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he cart 2061 give an assurance that, if in the event of war the Air Ministry communications were completely disabled, the control of the Royal Air Force could be effectively maintained from alternative headquarters; and whether specific plans to meet this contingency are detailed and complete?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAll possible precautions are being taken to cover contingencies of the nature indicated in the hon. Member's question. He will, I trust, appreciate that it would not be desirable to specify them in detail.
§ Mr. Garro JonesMay I have from the Minister the perfectly simple assurance that the specific precaution about which my question asks has been taken? How can it be contrary to the public interest, if this elementary precaution has been taken, that a statement should be made that it has been taken?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI think that personally my Noble Friend is satisfied that the advance made in this direction is satisfactory. I merely wished to indicate to the hon. Member that this is necessarily a secret subject on which one could not enter into details.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that well informed quarters are of opinion that no such adequate precautions have been taken? As I am sure he is not going to give me an answer to my question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House at the first convenient opportunity.