§ 6. Mr. J. P. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the suggestion made to his predecessor by the hon. Member for North Salford regarding the provision of super-charged searchlights on the floor of seaplanes and aeroplanes made four months ago, and which device, since that date, is now in use by the German air force?
§ Sir S. HoareThe suggestion to which my hon. Friend refers has been carefully considered, but the conclusion has been reached that there are better and easier methods of achieving the object which my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Mr. MorrisIs it not a disgraceful state of affairs that I should have to wait four months for a reply to my suggestion and then receive it only under pressure? If my suggestion has been examined by the advisers of the right hon. Gentleman, may I have a copy of the report? Thirdly, why is the German air force using this device?
§ Sir S. HoareI can only say that I saw my hon. Friend's Question only the day before yesterday, and that I have given him an answer to-day. As to whether or not the German air force are using what my hon. Friend suggests, I do not know whether that is so or not; but, at any rate, we are convinced that we have better methods of achieving my hon. Friend's object.
§ Mr. MorrisWhile agreeing with my right hon. Friend, may I say that I have already approached his right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal three times and his Parliamentary Secretary twice?
§ Sir S. HoareThese things get better with time.