§ 2. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked what are the air casualties in killed, wounded, and missing in each of the last six months in the Royal Naval Air Service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe, do not think it altogether desirable to give the particulars asked for. In the event, however, of a Secret Session being held, I imagine my hon. Friend would wish to take the opportunity of raising the matter.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman state to the House why it is undesirable to give the figures?
§ 6. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council has arrived at any decision to alter their predecessor's policy of giving particulars of air casualties; if so, what are the reasons; and, if not, whether he will give a list for each of the last six months stating the air casualties in killed, wounded, and missing on the Western front?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise. With regard to the third part, I think that the question might be raised in the event of a Secret Session being held.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes my hon. Friend realise that the last Army Council did not object to the publication of these figures; if there has not been any change why should not the request be granted?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONSo far as I know the last Army Council took the same view of the question as we do now.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSHaving regard to the importance of this matter to those of us who take part in the Secret Session Debate would it not be possible to provide 1654 some of this information earlier in order that we may be able to look over it before the Debate?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot give any assurance as to that; but the hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that if any individual Member of the House cares to go to the War Office he will be shown the figures.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSThank you; I will.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the present casualties on the front are the gravest reflection on the administration of the Air Service?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo; I am not at all aware of that.