§ 46. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Prime Minister when he will be able to announce the war casualties of this country up to date; whether he is aware that similar statistics are issued covering regular short periods by the Government of the United States; and whether announcements on this score can be made at shorter intervals by His Majesty's Government in future?
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present nothing to add to the answer which I gave on 14th October in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for The High Peak (Mr. Molson). I see that I said:
I will see what can be done about publishing casualties from time to time. A long interval will, however, have to elapse after the date covered by the return. The enemy do not give us any similar accurate or truthful facilities. The Dominions have to be consulted, and I cannot make any promise now."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th October, 1943; col. 1086, Vol. 392.]I cannot add more than that.
§ Mr. DaviesI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. I take it that he will be aware that the last set of figures we had were brought up to September, 1942, and that what disturbs some people in studying this matter is that the United States Government are able to give the figures publicly almost monthly, in spite of the statement that it is useful information to the enemy?
§ The Prime MinisterI say that I am not closing the door in any final way.