HC Deb 14 June 1950 vol 476 cc213-4
38. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Heligoland is required primarily for trying out high explosive bombs or for high level bomb dropping practice for the bomber fleet.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Heligoland is required for both purposes

Professor Savory

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman really assure the House that no other target can be found the bombing of which would not wound the deep-rooted sentiments of many thousands of people of Frisian origin in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland and especially in the United States of America from where he has received very strong protests?

Mr. Henderson

I should be very grateful to the hon. Gentleman if he would suggest an alternative place to Heligoland.

Mr. J. Hynd

Has the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend been drawn to suggestions in the German Press that bombing practice should be transferred from Heligoland to certain Scottish islands, and will he resist any such suggestions?