§ 23. Mr. Shinwellasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make as to how the five enemy merchant vessels now loading cargoes in the port of Rotterdam managed to escape detection when proceeding to that port?
§ Mr. ChurchillThe hon. Member's statement is not in accordance with the information I have received; but, in any case, he will be aware that the coast lines of Holland and Germany are contiguous. It is not from any lack of zeal or thought that any enemy vessels have so far escaped capture or destruction.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that five German vessels have been in the port of Rotterdam since the beginning of January, but that during the last three days only one vessel, the "Schleswig-Holstein," remains in that port; and that these vessels are carrying German coal to Norwegian and Swedish ports, and returning with iron ore?
§ Mr. ChurchillI am not certain of the actual facts which the hon. Gentleman 743 has mentioned; but, naturally, the whole of this subject is under constant examination by the naval authorities, and our wishes in the matter conform exactly to his own.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that my information is gained from Rotterdam sources which are reliable?
§ Mr. ChurchillWe try to acquire information from various sources; but at any time when the hon. Gentleman has any additional information to give, he has only to mention it.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that the naval patrol is being efficiently carried out in this matter?
§ Mr. ChurchillNo one would expect us to be able to maintain a close patrol or close blockade off the German coast, having regard to the enormous development of shore-based aircraft since the last war.