§ Mr. HOUSTON(by Private Notice): I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether on the occasion of the recent German raid in the Channel, Admiral Bacon had full authority in his discretion to engage the enemy ships, or whether he had to await instructions or authority from the Admiralty in London before doing so?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Admiral Bacon had full authority, without awaiting instructions or authority from the Admiralty, to engage the enemy ships.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that rumours are freely circulated that a number of British warships—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has submitted his first question to me, but not his second.