HC Deb 08 May 1916 vol 82 cc285-6
15. Mr. HOGGE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many German submarines have been put out of action by the Navy?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the First Lord to the hon. Member for Birmingham, North, on 30th September last, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

Mr. HOGGE

May I ask how a Member of this. House can get the information when it is asked for in secret session and not given? How can he get it when the Prime Minister says the only way to get it is to-put a question on the Paper?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid I cannot add anything to my answer.

Sir COURTENAY WARNER

Will the Admiralty consider the advisability of giving statistics up to the end of the year 1915, which could not possibly give any information to the enemy, so that the public may be reassured?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to the First Lord, but I can give no assurance regarding it.

Mr. HOUSTON

Was not this information given to the Press by the First Lord in April?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have said my right hon. Friend cannot add anything to the answer already given.

Mr. HOUSTON

That is not an answer to my question.