51. Sir H. DALZIELasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information showing that the exact time and place chosen by the enemy for recent air raids over England followed upon information supplied by enemy agents in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer is in the negative.
Sir H. DALZIELIs it not the case that on the occasion of the recent attack upon London the conditions for attack were much more favourable than they would have been immediately preceding and immediately after. Would the right hon. Gentleman also say whether it is not the case that on the day of the Harwich raid an important movement of troops was taking place immediately before the attack?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAll the answer I can give is that the Department concerned has no evidence such as my right hon. Friend's question suggests.
§ Mr. HOGGEHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement in a London paper to the effect that on the occasion of the recent raid on London all the machines which could have met the attack were removed, and that General French had complained to the War Office that that had taken place; 'and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that is a rumour or whether there is any truth in it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn regard to that, the subject has been discussed at a meeting with General French, at which I was present, and I am quite certain that nothing of that kind occurred.
Sir H. DALZIELDoes my right hon. Friend suggest that it is not the case that important squadrons were away on that particular day and were subsequently brought back?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot say as to that. The question was whether General French had complained?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know.