§ 38. Mr. Granvilleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement with regard to recent measures taken against the Nazi U-boat campaign; and what success such measures have met with in the battle of the Atlantic?
§ Sir V. WarrenderWhile I regret that I am unable to give details of recent activity against the U-boats, I can state that the results lately achieved have been encouraging.
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIn view of the fact that the First Lord was able to make a statement on this matter at a public luncheon, may I ask my hon. Friend whether, having regard to the interest and concern felt in this matter both here and in the United States of America, the First Lord will, with due consideration for public security, be in a position to make a statement on the subject in this House before very long?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI am sure that my right hon. Friend will always do his best to respond to such an invitation, but hon. Members know that it is the deliberate policy of the Admiralty not to talk about our successes against U-boats.
§ Commander BowerWould it not be perfectly possible, without giving away information to the enemy, without specifying times and places, to give a little more information to the public, who are so interested in the work of the Navy, especially of His Majesty's auxiliary vessels, the officers and men of which have to suffer such hardships?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI think my right hon. Friend is well aware of the interest which is taken in this particular matter, but it must be remembered that the enemy takes far greater interest in anything that we publish.