§ 38. Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Information why the loss of the steamship "Lancastria," while being used as a troopship to evacuate troops from France, was classified in the total tonnage of merchantmen lost; why no official account of this story of heroism ranking with the gallantry of the Dunkirk evacuation was made by him; and whether he will see that an official statement is made to alleviate the anxiety of dependants and relatives?
Mr. CooperThe steampship "Lancastria" was so classified because she was not one of His Majesty's ships; was only defensively armed, had no naval officers or ratings on board; and was not flying the White Ensign. The facts of the sinking, so far as they are known, have been published in this country and a full account was issued to the Press at the Ministry of Information on 26th July. As all the known facts have been stated, I fear that nothing further can now be done to alleviate anxiety.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the Minister aware that there are relatives and dependants still without news? Is there anything preventing fuller information being given?