Aerodromes (Defence).

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force. – in the House of Commons at on 10 December 1941.

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Photo of Mr Reginald Purbrick Mr Reginald Purbrick , Liverpool, Walton

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the whole of the ordinary ground personnel of the Royal Air Force aerodromes are armed and receive the training of soldiers so that, in the case of emergency, they may be able to do their share properly in the defence of their aerodrome?

Photo of Mr Reginald Purbrick Mr Reginald Purbrick , Liverpool, Walton

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the present organisation for the defence of every aerodrome, or whether he will consider placing the defence of all aerodromes under one supreme command to work in co-operation with the Royal Air Force?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

Work upon this aspect of our defences has been continuous for many months, and improvements both in organisation and in actual defences are being continually made.

Photo of Mr Reginald Purbrick Mr Reginald Purbrick , Liverpool, Walton

Is it not a fact that aerodromes are defended in a fashion different from one another, and would it not be better to synchronise the methods so that they could all be fortified in the same way, and that that could only be done by bringing them under one supreme command?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

That is a matter for consideration. We are getting the best advice we can from experts.

Photo of Mr Reginald Purbrick Mr Reginald Purbrick , Liverpool, Walton

I asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider it.

Photo of Mr George Garro-Jones Mr George Garro-Jones , Aberdeen North

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Air Force and Army officers, between whom the responsibility for the defence of aerodromes is divided, are completely dissatisfied with the organisation?