HC Deb 09 March 1937 vol 321 cc943-5
5 and 6. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) in view of the large increase in Army mechanisation, what steps, if any, are being taken in the camouflaging of vehicles by disruptive painting for the purpose of concealment from the air;

(2) whether a grant was given last year by his Department for the purpose of experiments on camouflage against air attack; and whether it is proposed to increase the grant during the current year?

8. Mr. Emmott

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make upon the results of experiments in camouflage of troops, guns, and vehicles against air attack conducted during the Divisional Manoeuvres held last year?

Mr. Cooper

Experiments in methods of protecting troops, guns and vehicles from air and ground observation, including concealment by disruptive painting, were conducted last year in all commands. The valuable information so obtained is now under examination, and extended trials, for which an increase in the financial provision involved is proposed, will take place this year.

Sir William Davison

Has my right hon. Friend asked his experts to consider carefully the disruptive camouflage of the plumage of the ordinary common snipe, and will he see whether they can derive a lesson from it?

Mr. Emmott

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the result of the experiments satisfactory, as far as they have proceeded?

Mr. Cooper

There is ground for further experiment.

Mr. Thorne

Is not the Secretary of State aware that during the last War there was any amount of camouflage that did not make the slightest difference to the bombing?

9. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount spent by Russia, Germany and Japan on camouflage of troops, vehicles and guns against air attack during the years 1935 and 1936, respectively?

Mr. Cooper

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. Donner

Can our own efforts up to date be regarded as satisfactory in comparison with, and in the light of, the enormous endeavours made by foreign countries in this connection?

Mr. Cooper

I have dealt with that aspect of the matter in reply to a previous question.

Mr. Davidson

Cannot the House have an assurance that the Government, from their past experience, are fully alive to the value of camouflage?