§ 21. Mr. Simmondsasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of occasions on which Rome has been bombed by the Royal Air Force?
§ Sir A. SinclairNo attacks have been made on Rome by the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs it not a fact that the bombing of the belligerent capitals has held clown around those cities vast antiaircraft defences; and would not my right hon. Friend, therefore, reconsider whether it would not be desirable, at the appropriate time, to bomb some of the many military targets in Rome, in order that the anti-aircraft defences there should not be dispersed to the other targets which are more frequently visited?
§ Sir A. SinclairI can assure my hon. Friend that our bombing policy is constantly under consideration and review. But in the meantime, I have nothing to add. to the statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallWould the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the lives of airmen and machines are worth preserving, and should not be used in wild-goose chases?
§ Sir A. SinclairYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Leslie BoyceDoes the Government's policy of bombing Rome if Cairo is bombed still hold good?
§ Sir A. SinclairI have said that I have nothing to add to the statement which the Prime Minister made yesterday.