§ 38. Mr. LOOKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any definite steps in respect of the constant firing on British ships which is taking place on the Yangtse?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)I have been asked to reply His Majesty's Ships have been authorised to return any fire which is directed on British ships on the Yangtse.
§ Mr. LOOKERIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the return of the firing is not having the slightest effect on the firing which has been taking place, and that unless action be taken, the firing on British ships is likely to go on?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI cannot answer for the information the hon. Member has given us, but I can only suppose that the information we have is as good as his.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman refute the suggestion made that the firing of His Majesty's Ships has been ineffective?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI do not know on what ground the hon. and gallant Member speaks or who has supplied him with the information?
§ Mr. LOOKERThe grounds on which it has been stated—