HC Deb 26 April 1939 vol 346 cc1118-9
24. Mr. Boothby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, during the cruise of the German Fleet to Spanish waters, the Mediterranean Fleet will be proportionately strengthened?

Mr. Shakespeare

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not in the public interest to disclose future naval dispositions.

Mr. Thorne

May I take it that the hon. Member has seen from time to time statements about the German Fleet, the Italian Fleet and the British Fleet in the Mediterranean? What is the length and what is the width?

Mr. J. Morgan

Can we have an assurance that this Mediterranean movement of the German ships is regarded by the Admiralty as normal spring cruising?

Mr. Shakespeare

That is another question.

Mr. Alexander

How does the hon. Member reconcile his answer with the detailed Press statement this week of certain movements of the Mediterranean Fleet?

Mr. Shakespeare

I think that statement made it clear that the Mediterranean Fleet will be carrying out its normal exercises at this time of the year.

Mr. Boothby

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Admiralty have made the dispositions which they consider necessary to meet the new strategical situation?

Sir William Davison

Is it not very undesirable that the Admiralty should be cross examined as to the disposition of the Fleet? Can we not trust the Admiralty to do that is necessary?

Sir A. Sinclair

Did not the disposition of the Fleet during the Albanian crisis show that we cannot trust the Admiralty?

26. Mr. Boothby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that the defences of the Fleet in Malta and Gibraltar are now in a condition that will enable them to resist any hostile attack?

Mr. Shakespeare

I can assure my hon. Friend that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure adequate defences for the Fleet bases at Malta and Gibraltar.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Can the hon. Member say whether the naval authorities at Gibraltar are satisfied that there are sufficient anti-aircraft guns ashore there for the protection of the Fleet, or have they made any representations?

Mr. Speaker

An answer has been given to the question on the Paper.