§ 39. Mr. Daltonasked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of antiaircraft batteries and of guns contained therein which are manned by the Regular Army in this country?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI hope the hon. Gentleman will not press me to add to the information already published.
§ Mr. DaltonIs the gun, of which particulars have been published, to be regarded as part of the forces available for defending our cities from aerial attack in the event of war?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaClearly, as long as England needs them they will be available for that purpose.
§ Mr. DaltonIs it contemplated that in adding up the forces that will be available in England, these guns will be specially included?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaCertainly, unless conditions arise which make the need greater elsewhere.
43. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for War the number of anti-aircraft units now established in Scotland; and whether those units have, in fact, their full complement of 3.7 mobile and 4.5 fixed guns?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe answer to the first part of the question is six, and to the second "No."
Mr. DavidsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair to Scottish local authorities, who are spending huge sums in air-raid precautions, that they should know that in Scotland no units are sufficiently armed for the defence of this country?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat is not the case. If the Scottish local authorities wish to give regular assistance, Glasgow, for instance, might encourage men to join the Territorial Army.
Mr. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Glasgow local authority hesitate when the Minister cannot give a straightforward answer to a question?
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat is the use of men joining the Territorial Army in whatever numbers, if guns are not available?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not know why a persistent attempt should be made to say that no guns are available. The plain fact is that they are available.