Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he will establish a separate technical and advisory staff to deal with the question of Scottish air defence;
(2) whether all air squadrons established in Scotland are equipped with the latest type of fighter aeroplanes?
§ Sir K. WoodAs the House has been previously informed the air defence of Scotland is treated as an integral and essential part of the general problem of the air defence of the United Kingdom, the siting of squadrons being based not upon local allotments for the protection of specific areas but on plans designed to permit the deployment of large forces which can be adjusted at short notice in accordance with the requirements of the situation. The establishment of a separate staff to deal with matters of Scottish air defence would under these circumstances serve no useful purpose. Of the four Royal Air Force Squadrons at present stationed in Scotland, two are bomber squadrons, one an army co-operation squadron, and one a general reconnaissance squadron.