asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is prepared to increase the number of fighter-aeroplane squadrons in the North of England with sufficient allocated to prevent air raids upon Liverpool by enemy bombers?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress is being made in the establishment of the balloon barrage system of defence at Glasgow and Clydeside?

It would not be in the public interest to give particulars of the defence arrangements for any particular part of the country, but protection for the areas referred to is being provided by both general and local defences. As announced in my speech during the Debate on the Address last Thursday, balloon barrage units are being formed, amongst other places, at both Liverpool and Glasgow.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be in the interests of the country, if the people were assured that progress was being made with these defences? That is all we ask.