HC Deb 15 July 1952 vol 503 c1973
41. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now dispense with the searchlight as a means of anti-aircraft defence.

Mr. Head

We do not at present propose entirely to dispense with the searchlight since recent trials have shown that it still has a certain part to play in defence against low altitude attack at night.

Mr. Harvey

In the light of that answer, will my right hon. Friend draw to the attention of the Under-Secretary of State for Air the necessity for having the right kind of aircraft for training, because he has already said that training for searchlights has a low priority?

Mr. Head

Perhaps my hon. Friend's supplementary question will clarify the matter.

Air Commodore Harvey

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that the whole method of operating searchlights would be more efficient if it were handed over to the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Head

That is a subject for wider debate than is possible now.