AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1924, Page 3

AVIATION.

AIR DEFENCE POLICY. DISCUSSION IN LORDS. [ R KCTKKS TkI.MIUAMS.] LONDON, March A. During flu* Lords’ discussion ol Lord Londonderry’s motion, Lord Looderry declines that London to-day could he aiiniliilafed from the air in the shortest space of time. Lords Thomson and Haldane on behalf of the Government deprecated Die motion as if was likely to unfavourably a/feet the Oovernment in its present efforts in international alfairs. Lord Thomson, however, assured the House the Oovernment Mas continuing the late Government's home defence expansion scheme, while he trusted measures would he taken to s|ieed up the research and civil aviation. The policy of the country, until general disarmament was possible, should he to make such preparations as would show that the world Britain did not mean to be caught napping; hot the Government's policy Mas to prepare, and it was ready to take advantage of any disarmament conference decisions.

LONDON, .March A. Supporters of laird Londonderry's unit ion in 1 lie House ol I,orris, including Lords Sutherliiiid and Salisbury, expressed misgivings owing to the pious sentiments contained in the speeches of Leech both inside find outside the Commons. On the subject of air defence I hey specifically disclaimed hostility to Franco, Imt stressed tho .vital importance of air defence. CO.M.MjERCJA L At RSI Ill'S. ("Sydney Sun” Cables). LONDON, March 15. The “Star’s” political correspondent understands the .sub-committee investigating airships believes much research work is essential before a commercial airship can Ih> built. The existing types are constructed for purely naval and military purposes and are unsuitable for eoinniereial experiments. The sub-committee recommends with a. view to economy that the Air Ministry should carry out the research, including new airship trial Mights to Egypt and India. The inauguration of a company can he considered Inter. The Burney scheme is not scrapped, hut is subject to rearrangement. It is believed the Air Ministry will accept tlu; reeoiniueiidaI ions. lIOMK DEFENCE AM! FORCE. iLONDON, March 5. To I lie House of Lords, Lord Londonderry's motion, stressing the necessity of maintaining a home defence air force jsiiflieiently sfrlong to give adequate protection against air attacks by the strongest air force within striking distance, was adopted without division.