§ Mr. Prittasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the lieutenant-general in command of a certain anti-aircraft corps, the identity of which has been communicated to his Department, has issued an order containing the words, "From now on, spit and polish is the order of the day," as a result of which paint and camouflage has been removed from anti-aircraft guns and they have been polished so as to shine in the sun; that the training of troops under his command has been practically suspended for a week in order that they may carry out this order; that it is likely to give direct and indirect assistance to the enemy; and whether he will immediately have inquiries made with a view to revoking this order and removing the person who made it?
§ Mr. SandysThe necessity for the concealment of guns should of course, be well understood by all troops. It appears that an order of this kind was in fact issued, though not, as is suggested, by the corps commander. I have asked the Commander-in-Chief, Anti-Aircraft Command, to inquire into this matter and to take such action as may be necessary.