§ 90. Mr. BILLINGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the date when the first Naval Air Squadron was sent to Dunkirk; 480 the date that the Order was issued forbidding them to drop bombs on Zeebrugge and district; the reason why such an Order was given; whether the Admiralty received application or applications from commanding officers in Dunkirk and district for permission to bombard Zeebrugge and district; the date that such permission was eventually granted; and whether the recent raids have been successful?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy right hon. Friend regrets that questions of this character, dealing with operations, should have been placed upon the Order Paper. The operations referred to are under the control of the Vice-Admiral Commanding, in whose discretion the Admiralty has complete confidence. If the question is intended to convey the impression that either the Vice-Admiral or the Admiralty is not equally determined with my hon. Friend to harry the enemy whenever we can do so with profit, I can only assure him that he is much mistaken.
§ Mr. BILLINGHas it come to the right hon. Gentleman's notice that the bombing raids on Zeebrugge were stopped for a considerable period, and that they were not renewed until there was a great agitation in the Press and a certain Sea Lord wrote to Admiral Bacon and told him he had better do so?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI regret to say that is the substance of the question, on which, on behalf of my right hon. Friend, I say that it was not desirable to place it upon the Paper. If my hon. Friend has any views on this matter, all he has to do is to come and submit them to me.