§ Q3. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Secretary of State for Air at Preston on 3rd November, on air strategy, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that this speech appears to have been one of a series of speeches in which 1142 Service Ministers discussed the question of our capacity to bomb the civil population of the Soviet Union? Does he think that such speeches ease international tension? Would it not be a good thing, in view of what would happen to our civil population in similar circumstances, if statesmen on both sides stopped threatening each other?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend made no threats. Our air strategy is deterrent; it is a form of defence, not attack.