Aerial defence was the subject of a debate in the
Rouse of Lords on Tuesday. Lord Tenterden, who raised the question, complained of the inadequacy of the measures taken by the Government for the production of aeroplanes. Lord Crewe, while admitting that pre- ference must-be given to -the demands of the Army for aircraft, maintained that beneath the courage of the people there lay a good deal of resentment. The holding of a secret Session was doubtless necessary and advisable, but he was afraid that it-had added to this resentment. Lord Derby in reply agreed that the courage shown by the people of London must not be used as an excuse for failing- to provide them with the utmost possible amount of protec- tion. Thee best way they could give protection was by increasing the output of aeroplanes, and he assured the House that the increase was stupendous, and went on week by week to such an extent as to tax to the utmost our training of pilots and provision of aerodromes. - He hoped that what he had said might give some sense of security to London, but it would be idle for -him to pretend that raids on this country could be entirely frustrated.
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