HC Deb 29 March 1938 vol 333 cc1818-20
15. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for the establishment of antiaircraft units for the protection of Edinburgh, the Lothians, and the Firth of Forth area?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the existing anti-aircraft units in Scotland. The number of units will be increased during 1938.

Mr. Mathers

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some indication that these areas are being adequately protected? Is he aware of the concern in these areas owing to my lack of success in getting any information at all from other Ministers?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not know what is operating in the privacy of the hon. Member's mind, but, as I have said, the number will be increased during 1938.

Following is the statement:

Unit and Territorial Army Association by which administered.

20. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of officers and men attached to the five antiaircraft units in Scotland; and whether such units are equipped with the latest type of anti-aircraft guns?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As most of the units have only recently been opened for recruitment, and as I understand that figures for March are showing a big increase, I would ask the hon. Gentleman to be good enough to wait until these have been received at the War Office.

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, as to the type of anti-aircraft guns being placed at the disposal of the men?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

These units have full equipment in proportion to the numbers for training.

Mr. Davidson

Are they Territorial units or Regular Force units?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

They are Territorial units.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister really satisfied that the five Territorial units which are being built up is adequate protection, and, in view of the call for men, will he at least hasten up the development of anti-aircraft defence?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As I have said in reply to a previous question, the number of units will be increased in 1938.

Mr. Mathers

Is the Minister proposing to increase the number of units by transferring units at present under other auspices to anti-aircraft units? Does he know that these units do not wish to be transferred in this way, and that the desire is that new anti-aircraft units should be built up?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I was not aware of any reluctance to transfer to other units, but I welcome this enthusiasm of hon. Members, and if they feel that Scotland is not adequately protected, I hope they will do their best to assist to bring recruitment up to standard.

Mr. Mathers

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the feeling about converting present units into antiaircraft units?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Yes, Sir.