§ 22. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider appointing a Royal Engineers' officer permanently to each regional area to supervise local defences?
§ Mr. EdenThe appointments of Royal Engineer officers in connection with local defence works, which are a military responsibility, are made according to the military chain of command. The appointment of a Royal Engineer officer at regional headquarters, if that is what my hon. Friend has in mind, would not be appropriate.
§ Mr. CocksHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that in some regional areas embarrassment has been caused because the voluntary officers have been changed several times?
§ 23. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate steps have been taken to protect reservoirs, water supplies, power stations and munition works from attacks by parachutists and air-borne troops?
§ Mr. EdenAll practicable steps have been taken, but my hon. Friend will understand that I cannot discuss publicly the details of our arrangements.