§ 65. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state how many German destroyers escaped from Ostend; and in view of the circumstance that it was well known that they would have to make good their escape, whether the Admiralty are satisfied that everything was done to prevent it?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty has good reason to believe that all the German destroyers and torpedo boats which were based at Ostend and Zeebrugge have escaped to German ports. The precise number is not known. It was realised that sooner or later the evacuation of the ports would force these vessels to endeavour to escape, and every possible step was taken to intercept them. Seeing, however, that the passage from the Flanders ports to the German bases could be made in the dark hours, and that Dutch territorial waters could be made use of, there could be no certainty that any measures which were practicable would prove efficacious.
§ Mr. HOUSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to these destroyers having escaped up the Scheldt?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have not.