HC Deb 17 May 1915 vol 71 cc1982-3
50. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Prime Minister, in view of recent German statements alleging losses of British men-of-war, will he say if any battleship or battle-cruiser or any other of His Majesty's ships of war has been lost or destroyed by the enemy during the last three months besides those whereof the loss and the names have been made public by the Admiralty?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. Member is aware that the Admiralty have published a denial of the German statements. On the general question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 22nd April to the hon. Member for Derby, on the subject of the Press Censorship.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Is the House not to know what every man in the street knows?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the man in the street knows it the House knows it.

Sir A. MARKHAM

The House does not know it officially.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am sorry that the hon. Member is pressing the question.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not want to press it unduly.

The PRIME MINISTER

I hope the hon. Member will not.