HC Deb 22 June 1938 vol 337 cc1069-71
54. Mr. Dalton

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has examined the possibility of placing a balloon barrage along the whole length of the East Coast of this country; and what would be the cost of such a means of defence?

Sir K. Wood

The desirability of extending the balloon barrage is receiving close attention in connection with a general review of methods of defence against air attack. No estimate of the cost of placing a balloon barrage along the whole length of the East Coast of this country is available, and I should add that it is not considered that the siting of a barrage as suggested would be an effective or economical use of this particular method of defence.

Mr. Dalton

Assuming that this method is regarded as effective, is it not essential that mass populations on Tyneside, Teesside and in the Midland towns should be afforded similar protection to that which is afforded to London?

Sir K. Wood

I can well understand that, but I would draw the attention of the hon. Gentleman to the last part of my reply, and perhaps I might be able to indicate to him certain considerations which I have in mind in that connection.

Mr. Dalton

Has not the right hon. Gentleman merely said that the placing of a balloon barrage along the East coast would not be economical, and will he not consider the placing of a barrage around some of these numerous industrial populations?

Sir K. Wood

That is another matter. I am dealing with the suggestion on the Paper as far as the length of the East coast of the country is concerned.

Mr. Simmonds

Is it not the fact that this barrage should be mobile?

55. Mr. Dalton

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has taken any steps to accelerate the completion of the balloon barrage for the defence of London?

Sir K. Wood

All practicable steps are being taken to ensure the completion of the balloon barrage at the earliest possible date. Recruiting is in progress for all four centres to be located in the London sectors, and it is hoped that by September, eight of the 10 squadrons to be formed will be in training.

Mr. Duncan

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is now sufficient gas-making apparatus for the balloons?

Sir K. Wood

Certain difficulties have arisen, but I am glad to say that they are now being overcome.

58. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the balloon barrage system of defence is to be established in Scotland?

Sir K. Wood

As I have already informed the House, I am giving the question of the extension of the balloon barrage my personal attention, but it is not possible to arrive at any decision until further experience has been gained in the development of a balloon barrage in the London area.

Mr. Davidson

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure Scottish Members that the defence of Scotland in this respect will not depend upon the mobility of the London balloon barrage system, and can he say whether the Scottish local authorities are being consulted with regard to this form of defence in Scotland? Has the Scottish Office been consulted?

Sir K. Wood

I think we must await further experience as far as barrage in the London area is concerned before we can decide the matter to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Davidson

Have any steps been taken to obtain the opinion of the Scottish local authorities, apart from the London barrage?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think so. It is a matter more for technical consideration.

Mr. Duncan

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the experiments are proceeding satisfactorily?

Mr. Montague

Has the Minister considered an alternative or additional proposal for a rocket-controlled barrage on the coast?

Sir K. Wood

All these matters will, obviously, have to be considered in the light of what I have said.