§ 21. Mr. Gallacherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that the "Daily Mail," of 20th March, invited its readers to send donations to the "Bomb Berlin Fund" of the Ministry; whether any such fund exists; and whether any steps have been taken against the newspaper for its suggestion that a special fund has been created having for its objective indiscriminate reprisal bombing of civilians?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Colonel Llewellin)I have read the statement referred to by the hon. Member. It appeared as a footnote to a correspondent's letter suggesting the formation of a "Bomb Berlin Fund." There is no such fund as the "Bomb Berlin Fund." This Ministry is, however, ready to receive and is continuously receiving gifts for the purchase of war materials, including bombs, and I think that the House can rely on the R.A.F. duly to deliver any bombs so provided.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister in no way concerned about an important daily 983 paper publishing such a statement as that the Ministry has a "Bomb Berlin Fund"? Would it not be something which every Member would use against Germany if there was a "Bomb London Fund" or a "Bomb Glasgow Fund" in Germany? Why is the "Daily Mail" allowed to publish such a statement?
§ Colonel LlewellinIn fact there is no: "Bomb Berlin Fund," but I must say that it rather encourages people in this country, especially in London, to hear that Berlin has been bombed.