HC Deb 25 June 1917 vol 95 cc14-5
49. Mr. BROOKES

asked the Prime Minister whether, as ten days have elapsed since the air raid on London, he can now make any further statement as to the adoption of a policy of reprisals?

61. Commander WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not undertake or be a party to any reprisals upon non-combatants except with the assent precedent of both Houses of Parliament?

The CHANCELLOR Of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

I cannot add anything to the statements already made on this subject.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Has the right hon. Gentleman received copies of resolutions on this question passed at meetings held in different parts of the country, and has any notice been taken of these resolutions?

Mr. BONAR LAW

They have been received, I have no doubt, and probably they have been read.

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Is it not a fact that on Saturday there were meetings in different parts of the country, and is no importance whatever to be attached to the opinions of the people in the country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am well aware of all that my hon. Frigid has said, but the answers to which I referred contained this statement: That the Government, after consultation with the military authorities here and the Commander-in-Chief in France, are using the Air Forces in the way they think best, not only against the enemy, but to prevent these raids, and that must be an executive act. I do not think the House will press me to say more.

Mr. BILLING

Are we to understand that these resolutions are merely read and afterwards ignored? Is no notice to be taken of them at all?