§ 36. Mr. BILLINGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the sanction of the Board of Admiralty or any member of the Board is necessary before the Royal Naval Air Service can organise and carry out raids on the aircraft bases of the enemy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll operations by naval forces are carried out by officers acting under the authority of the Board. In some cases orders are given directly from the Admiralty; in other cases they are given by Commanders-in-Chief or other responsible officers.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhy is it that in this case these men are not allowed to do as Sir Douglas Haig is allowed to do, namely, to carry out the work which lies to his hand, without any reference to anyone?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have said that in other cases orders are given by the Commander-in-Chief, or other responsible officers.
§ 36. Mr. BILLINGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Royal Naval Air Service has been prevented from carrying out reprisal raids owing to the religious 2248 scruples of any member of the Board of Admiralty; and, if so, does he propose to allow personal and private views to stand in the way of our effective offensive?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo personal or private views influence the Board of Admiralty. My right hon. Friend knows nothing about the religious opinions of any of his colleagues.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask why orders have not been given?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not think that question arises.