§ 10. Mr. JOHN WILMOTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the policy of the Admiralty is based upon the conclusion that a battleship in His Majesty's Navy would be able to survive an attack from the air?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLYes, Sir. Battleships should be able to defend themselves against all methods of attack, including those from the air.
§ Mr. WILMOTI thank the First Lord for his reply. May I ask whether when he uses the word "should," he implies "can"?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI do not think that this is the time to enter upon a debate of the subject. I have told the hon. Member what the policy is.
§ Mr. WILMOTWill the right hon. Gentleman arrange for such a vessel to be subjected to the necessary tests to 295 ascertain whether such defence is possible?
§ Mr. WHITESIDEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no bomb yet invented is capable of sinking a battleship?