HC Deb 10 July 1940 vol 362 cc1142-3
5. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether suitable measures for the ground defence of aerodromes in this country are being taken?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend will not expect me to give details, but I can assure him that measures which are being taken for the ground defence of our aerodromes include provision for defence against direct air attack as well as against attacks on the ground which might be delivered by parachutists and air-landed troops. A Director of Ground Defence has been appointed in the Air Ministry to supervise and co-ordinate preparatory action and ensure the closest cooperation between the Royal Air Force and the Army authorities.

Mr. Mander

Is this defence work being undertaken by the Royal Air Force, or undertaken in any way by Army units as well?

Sir A. Sinclair

The defence of the station is the responsibility of the Royal Air Force. In discharging that responsibility they are receiving valuable help from the Army authorities. The defence of the district in which the station is situated is, of course, the responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces, and close liaison is always maintained between the station commander and the local military authorities.

Mr. F. Anderson

Does the answer apply to all districts in the country alike?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, certainly.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

In his defensive measures, has the Minister taken into consideration the possibility—in fact, the probability—of the German parachutists coming down in British uniform?

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, we are prepared for that: but, of course, primarily the duty of dealing with parachutists falls upon the military forces. It is only if they land on our aerodromes that we shall have to deal with them, and I can assure the hon. Member that in that case they will have a warm reception.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Would it not be more efficient if there were only one authority for the defence of all vulnerable points, including aerodromes, so as to avoid confusion?

Sir A. Sinclair

I think it is very much better that the station commander should retain the responsibility for the defence of his own station; but close liaison does, and should, exist between him and the military authorities.