§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air why no self-destroying ammunition has been made for 20mm. Hispano-Suiza guns used by the R.A.F. Regiment for anti-aircraft defences; how many thousands of these guns have been issued, or taken over by the regiment, for this purpose since the formation took over the defence of aerodromes; and whether their use has since been banned for shooting over land.
§ Sir A. SinclairApproximately 2,500 of these guns were issued, but only a small percentage remain in operation. The early replacement of these guns was contemplated, and it would not have been justifiable to divert technical resources from more pressing needs in order to give priority to the development of a self-destroying fuse for the 20mm. shell. There is no general restriction on firing over land, although Commanders-in-Chief may at their discretion impose local restrictions.