PLANNED DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21185, 4 November 1938, Page 9

PLANNED DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Reply to Labour Criticism Proposed Amendment Tabled Opposition to Independent Inquiry United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright (Received November 3, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 2. In the House of Commons the Government tabled the following amendment to the Labour censure motion:— “While noting existing deficiencies in the system of civil defence, the House welcomes the appointment of a Minister. Therefore it declares with full approval, the Government’s determination to complete necessary measures as speedily as possible. Lord Stanhope, winding up a two days’ debate in the House of Lords, said: “The crisis has taught, not only the public, but the Government, many lessons.” Lord Stanhope referred to the Cabinet inquiry to which each head of a department has to furnish a report showing the shortcomings discovered. Lord Stanhope added: “Guns and searchlights are now being produced of a higher quality than any other nation in the world can produce.” INDEPENDENT INQUIRY OPPOSED REPLY IN HOUSE OF LORDS Brltlab Official Wireless (Received November 3, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, November 2. During the debate in the House of Lords last night on Lord Strabolgi’s motion in favour of an Independent committee to hold an inquiry into the state of the national defences, with particular reference to air raid precautions, support for establishing a Ministry of National Service and a Ministry of Supply was forthcoming from Lord Swinton and other Government members. Following the statement by the Marquess of Zetland, dissatisfaction was expressed by Lord Balfour and Lord Stonehaven, and Lord Balfour said that if the motion were pressed to a division and subject to any further Government statement, he would vote for the motion. The Marquess of Zetland, in his statement, said that the Government was determined to take the utmost advantage of the experience it had derived from the recent emergency. It had already taken steps to review the preparations for defence. The appointment of an independent committee would only result in duplication. In the recent emergency the defence plans had worked with extreme smoothness and success. He admitted that there were weaknesses and deficiencies. but it must be remembered that they were preparing against a form of war of which they had no experience. The Government’s attitude to a national service register was that it was not at present prepared compulsorily to register every person in the country, but it had a voluntary scheme which was about to be put into operation. If the Government found that on the voluntary basis it was unable either as far as industry or service was concerned to obtain the required results, it would certainly be prepared to take another view. BRITAIN’S SPEEDY AIRCRAFT IMPROVEMENTS IN NEW TYPES British Official Wireless (Received November 3, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, November 2. The speed and range of the fastest bomber yet in service in the Royal Air Force has been greatly enhanced in the modified version of the Bristol Blenheim Monoplane which is in large production in three factories. Hundreds of these formidable craft have already been delivered to squadrons. The introduction of ingenious changes in design gives the new Blenheim a top speed of 1.95 miles an hour —a speed outstanding in a bomber. This performance was obtained without the sacrifice of essential bombing requirements. Carrying a full military load the modified Blenheim will fly non-stop 1900 miles. Tire plane will be on view at the Paris Aeronautical Exhibition which is opening on November 25.