§ LORD STRACHIEMy Lords, I rise to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether Sir Percy Scott has ceased to be responsible for the anti-aircraft defence of London; and, if so, for what reason. The other day it was stated in the House of Commons that the Admiralty were going to give up control of the protection of London against hostile aircraft, but it was not made clear in the answers of the Under-Secretary of State for War whether or not Sir Percy Scott was to remain in supreme command. We all remember that Mr. Balfour, after a hostile aircraft raid, announced with a great flourish of trumpets and to the satisfact on of the country that Sir Percy Scott, the great expert in all these matters of gunnery, was going to take supreme command of the anti-aircraft defence of London. It would he interesting to know whether he will be retained in that position, or whetlar, for some reason or another, he has been superseded or has resigned. if so, I think it is desirable that we should know tie reason; because so far as the country is concerned there is a general feeling that we have profited very much by his being in sole command. Moreover, it does not seem obvious why the War Office should take over the antiaircraft defence of London, especially as we are told that the War Office at present has a great deal more work than it can do.
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)My Lords, it has been decided that the War Office should take over the defence of London against hostile aircraft, and it is anticipated that the transfer will take place shortly. Sir Percy Scott is at present in charge of the gunnery defence of London, and, pending the transfer, he remains in his present position. The question of his continuance in the work will be one for consideration when the transfer takes place. The details of the transfer have not yet been concluded, and I am afraid I ant not able to give the noble Lord any further information at the present moment.