§ 11. Sir C. HENRYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the tonnage of cereals destined to ports in the United Kingdom that, during the months of February and March, as far as can be determined, has been lost by the action of submarines, raiders, and other causes; and if he can state how the percentage or proportion of the quantity lost compares with the quantity that has arrived?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. G. Roberts)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is not in the public interest to give the particulars asked for by the hon. Baronet.
§ Sir C. HENRYWill the hon. Gentleman convey to the Minister the desirability of not keeping the public ignorant if the position gets critical?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI can only say that in the opinion of the Admiralty, the Food Controller and the Board of Trade, it is undesirable to give the figures.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my hon. Friend aware that a large number of people in this country do know the actual facts, and what possible service can his Department give to the public by concealing the fact that there is a shortage of food in this country?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI do not think it does conceal it.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask whether the German commanders of submarines do not discover in most cases what is the nature of the cargoes of the boats they sink?
§ Commander WEDGWOODThey do not all get home, dear boy!