§ 8. Sir J. Graham Kerrasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that during the last war a sum of over £2,000,000 was expended upon the camouflaging of ships; that this, in spite 942 of its imperfections due to lack of scientific control, was generally recognised by the Mercantile Marine as of considerable value and by underwriters as justifying a reduced premium for insurance; and whether he will give an assurance that immediate steps will be taken to secure to the Navy the advantages of a proper system of camouflage under direct supervision by scientific experts?
§ Sir V. WarrenderWe are aware of the advantages which are claimed for camouflage and dazzle painting and of the views which my hon. Friend has been good enough to lay before us. The evidence obtained, both from this and the last war, has not so far supported all the claims which have been made for these devices, but we are continuing to examine their possibilities, to keep in touch with the best expert advice obtainable, and to press on actively with all practical applications.
§ Mr. R. GibsonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that it is much more important to camouflage ships than to camouflage typists with uniforms like those of the belles of "Bagatelle"?