§ 22. Sir John Graham Kerrasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that imitative colouring, as used by artists in camouflaging canvas and by nature in camouflaging insects and other small animals, is ineffective on the larger scale with which war camouflage is concerned, and as biological research has established that to secure effective camouflage on the larger scale, use has to be made of certain other methods, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that expenditure on camouflage shall be subject to close supervision by someone of recognised authority in the specialised branch of biological science concerned?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs I informed my hon. Friend in reply to his Question on 18th April, I propose to reconstitute the Committee which advises my Department on camouflage problems. The contribution which biological science may be able to make to this form of defence has, and will continue to have, full attention. It is my intention that the views of the Advisory Committee shall be taken fully into account in the development of the camouflage work for which my Department is responsible.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs it not a fact that there is a great amount of misguided enthusiasm on this matter in regard to London? Would the Home Secretary try to give, at an early date, some enlightened guidance on the subject?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am quite sure there has been a good deal of misdirected unofficial efforts on this matter. As regards giving guidance, a booklet was issued by my Department some time ago as a result of scientific experiments.
§ Mr. SimmondsWill that be brought up to date?
§ Sir J. AndersonIf it is not up to date it certainly will be.
§ 23. Sir J. Graham Kerrasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the recognisability of large objects at a distance is conditioned by the intensity of illumination; that one of the chief methods of securing successful camouflage is the method of counter shading known as Thayer's principle; and what steps he is taking to use this method, which has not hitherto been done?
§ Sir J. AndersonI can assure my hon. Friend that the principle to which he refers is well known to the camouflage officers of my Department and is used by them, wherever applicable, in their day-to-day work.
§ Sir J. KerrIs the Home Secretary aware that factory roofs are extremely conspicuous from the air owing to the fact that the ridges are brightly illuminated and the valleys between are dull. Is he aware that the very first step in scientific camouflage is to kill the high lights and brighten up the low lights, and why is this not done?
§ Mr. MacLarenWhy not do it in this House?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am well aware of the principle to which my hon. Friend refers and I hope it will be applied in all suitable cases.