HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1527-8
41. Mr. Hamilton Kerr

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of their establishments of Bren guns and anti-tank rifle equipment has been issued to Guards battalions?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

With the general concurrence of the House I have invariably refrained from giving particulars of our armaments where corresponding particulars are not open to us concerning foreign countries. In view, however, of specific allegations which are calculated to have an unfortunate effect, I am prepared exceptionally to state that of the 10 Guards battalions, eight have had complete issues of their war establishments both of Bren guns and anti-tank rifles.

Mr. Anstruther-Gray

In view of those facts, is it not most misleading that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) should state, as he did in this House last week—[interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. E. Smith

This is an inspired question.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the reluctance of the right hon. Gentleman in the past to give information on this subject when questions have been put to him from this side of the House, might I ask whether he is now prepared to make a clean breast of our deficiencies?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not think that that is true. I have never been reluctant to give information. When any responsible person has asked me—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"]—in which, of course, I include my colleagues in this House—for information which I could possibly give, I have always given it. It is quite a different matter to broadcast to the public information, the corresponding information to which is not given by foreign countries.

Mr. Lawson

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that very much the same equipment in those particulars applies to the infantry generally?

Mr. Garro Jones

Of course, he cannot. That is why he made an exception.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the policy of reticence now does more harm than good, and will he take every opportunity of giving good news to the House as soon as it is available?