HC Deb 15 February 1956 vol 548 c2339
14. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent balloons are now being used for measures connected with the defence of Britain.

Sir W. Monckton

Tethered balloons are used for parachute training and target practice and free balloons for meteorological purposes.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that balloons are much cheaper than some of our expensive aircraft and quite as useful as a defence against rockets? Does he not think that he could reduce defence expenditure if he went in for balloons instead of obsolete aircraft?

Sir W. Monckton

There is a limit to the use of air and wind.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not quite obvious that this Government only continues to exist on account of free balloons?