§ 27. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the result of investigations of an alleged act of sabotage of a V-bomber aeroplane at Finningley Aerodrome.
§ Mr. BellengerWill not the right hon. Gentleman cause an investigation to take place at this aerodrome, because there is a feeling in the neighbourhood of the aerodrome, which is within my constituency, that the R.A.F. are rather casual in the way they leave their aircraft about the airfield, almost on the public footpath, liable to sabotage by ill-intentioned persons?
Mr. WardThe perimeter of an airfield is a very large place, and it would take a lot of men to guard it. It is not possible to erect an unclimbable fence, for various reasons such as quick access to fire tenders, interference with radar and so on. 1256 Therefore, our policy is not to guard the whole perimeter but rather to place guards on aircraft and hangars. We think this is more economical and just as efficient. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that there are enough police and police dogs to protect aircraft and hangars.
§ Mr. BellengerWhile appreciating the difficulties, may I ask whether it is not possible for these very expensive machines to be concentrated nearer to the centre of the aerodrome where they can be more adequately guarded?
Mr. WardIt is true that the public highway runs very near to the dispersal point, but the aircraft at that dispersal point are always guarded.