§ 2 Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGasked (1) how many raids have been carried out at Zeebrugge in the past twelve months; (2) whether for the past twelve months we have had sufficient pilots, machines, and high explosive bombs stationed at Dunkirk to initiate raids on the submarine bases at Zeebrugge every night; and, if so, why a continuous bombardment of this enemy submarine headquarters has not been permitted; and (3) on whose authority air raids at Zee brugge and districts are initiated by the Royal Naval Air Service squadron situated in the Dunkirk district; and whether the local wing commanders have power to initiate raids from time to time on definite objectives or whether for each raid it is necessary to obtain definite instructions from the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs regards these questions it is not considered desirable in the public interest to give the particulars asked for.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Germans are unaware of the raids that we have made upon them in the past twelve months, and, under these circumstances, is it not possible to give us in this House facts of which the Germans must be aware, if they have been raided?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is more than likely that they are aware, but as regards these three questions, it is not considered in the public interests to give the particulars asked for.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole submarine menace at the present time is due to the weakness of the Royal Naval Air Service in not bombing Zeebrugge from the first?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question on the Paper.