HC Deb 19 May 1909 vol 5 c391
Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state his reason for refusing the Return in regard to British torpedo-boat destroyers asked for on the 13th of this month?

Mr. McKENNA

It is not considered to be in the public interest to publish all the confidential details for which the hon. Member asked in the Motion for the Return.

Mr. MIDDLEMORE

Why does the right hon. Gentleman withhold information which is in the possession of every Admiral in Europe?

Mr. McKENNA

I have every reason for believing that the information for which the hon. Gentleman asks is not in the possession of every Admiral in Europe.