In the Commons on Thursday week ninny questions were asked
about the anti-aircraft defences of London. Mr. Balfour said that the degree to which it was desirable to use aeroplanes at night was a very difficult question, but in no circumstances did the authorities think that adequate defence against Zeppelins could be provided by aeroplanes. 'Under Sir Percy Scott there had been no change in the personnel of the London anti-aircraft service. The guns' crews worked for four hours every other day. The officers had a short course at a gunnery school, and the men were being sent to Chatham gunnery school. The suggestion of Sir Henry Craik that Artillery officers invalided home should be employed in this service would be very seriously considered. Sir John Simon announced that no warnings of approaching Zeppelins would be given. The ringing of bells and so on might guide the invader. Moreover, a warning might increase the danger by bringing people into the streets. We may add that Sir Percy Scott has stated that the number of guns is being increased. He also pointed out the danger of people being hit in the streets by fragments of shell.
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