§ 50. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Prime Minister whether the formal inquiries into the failure to prevent French warships proceeding to enemy-controlled ports are yet complete; what disciplinary action has been taken, and against whom; whether full discretion to act was given to the officer commanding on the spot to prevent such ships passing the Straits; and whether he can now explain why the First Lord and Cabinet were not consulted before action was ordered or taken against potentially unfriendly ships?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I indicated to the House last week, I do not think it desirable to answer any further questions upon this affair, for which, apart from technical mishaps, His Majesty's Government take full responsibility.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is an impression that it was necessary for the officer commanding on the spot to communicate with the home authorities before taking action?
§ The Prime MinisterThere may be a great many impressions, but I think I 599 have said all that can safely be said on the subject at the present time, and, having regard to the difficulties of carrying on the war, I must ask for the support of the House in this.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon Gentleman aware that there is some disquiet in the public mind because of the apparent contradiction between the statement he made the other day, that the Government were not fully informed on what had happened, and the statement made previously by the Ministry of Information, that permission was given to the French warships to pass through the Straits of Gibraltar? Ought not that matter to be cleared up?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that there is any discrepancy at all between the statements. I am familiar with both statements, the first not being quite in the terms which my hon. Friend has mentioned, but the facts stated by me in my statement to the House are those which are correct.