§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with a number of balloons burnt by lightning; why the other balloons were not withdrawn for 30 minutes after these balloons had been burnt?
§ Sir K. WoodCertain balloons of an old type were destroyed by lightning during a recent storm; steps have been taken to reduce the risk of this occurring again. As regards the second part of the question, it would not be in the public interest to explain the tactical handling of balloons.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with bullets fired with the object of bringing down a balloon that had escaped from its moorings but which hit a house in Ewell, Surrey?
§ Sir K. WoodIt is essential that balloons which have broken away should be brought to ground as soon as possible and every endeavour is made to bring them down in open country. I regret that in the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member some expended bullets fell upon a house at Ewell.