§ 13. Mr. Mabaneasked the Secretary of State for War what modification of the present anti-aircraft organisation he is contemplating?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)Recruiting for the antiaircraft divisions has proceeded with such remarkable speed that the strength of the 1st Division, which a year ago was 10,000, is now 20,000. Similarly the 2nd Division was 9,943, and it now numbers nearly 19,000. In view of the growing importance of anti-aircraft defence in relation to our general military requirements and the great expansion in numbers of personnel engaged upon this task, a reorganisation is in progress to ensure that prompt and undivided attention may be given to every aspect and detail of its development. If my hon. Friend will put down his question again next week, I hope to be in a position to give a definite account of the proposed reorganisation.
§ Mr. MabaneWhat percentage of the total establishment has the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Division now reached?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI would not like to improvise an answer, but it is very near to its establishment.
§ Mr. DaltonWill the statement which the right hon. Gentleman is going to make next week cover also the question of the supply of guns and equipment for this increased number of troops?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir; it will deal with reorganisation, but the supply of guns and equipment is proceeding well.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs it not a fact that the anti-aircraft unit in Southampton is not making the progress which was expected owing to the fact that it has not sufficient equipment?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot speak with reference to the unit in my hon. Friend's constituency, but a large number of these units is well over establishment.
§ 16. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War what is the approximate cost of the latest-made anti-aircraft gun?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt is contrary to rule to disclose, even approximately, the cost of individual weapons of war.
18. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for War the total number of antiaircraft units now established in Scotland; and how many of those units have their full complement of mobile 3.7 guns and fixed 4.5 guns?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe answers which I gave on 24th and 31st May are of equal application to the units in Scotland, which are six in number.
Mr. DavidsonCan the right hon. Gentleman give the information asked for in the question, as to how many of those units have their full complement of mobile 3.7 guns and fixed 4.5 guns?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot add to the answer which I gave, which contains the facts.
Mr. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous question did not raise the matter of guns? Can he give me an answer on that matter?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe answer which I gave does give the information which the hon. Member requires, by implication.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWhat do you think of that, Mr. Speaker?
§ 19. Sir Arthur Salterasked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the declared policy of the Government, he can give an assurance that the production of anti-aircraft guns of modern type is receiving, and will receive, a full and effective priority so as not to be impeded in any way by the demands for other types of gun?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaHis Majesty's Government has decided to give this priority.