§ 42. Miss Wilkinsonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any evidence connecting the wreckage of the plane found on 22nd March near Norway with the suspected sabotage in the Royal Air Force factories?
§ Earl WintertonNo, Sir.
§ Miss WilkinsonHas the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that certain activities of a foreign Power in this country have no connection with this?
§ Earl WintertonI think the hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension in this matter. There has been no sabotage at any Air Force station. This particular aeroplane has been at an Air Force station for some considerable time.
§ Miss WilkinsonHas there been an inquiry as to why the plane was lost?
§ Earl WintertonNaturally, there has been an inquiry; but that has nothing to do with sabotage. There has been no sabotage at an Air Force station.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been freely stated in the Press that sabotage was suspected? Does that bear the sign-manual of Ministerial opinion?
§ Earl WintertonNo, Sir. I must say that I cannot be responsible for wild statements appearing in the Press.