HC Deb 10 June 1941 vol 372 cc16-7
29. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the officers responsible for the errors of strategy in not evacuating Benghazi and the other Libyan towns immediately after our capture of them, first destroying the ports, aerodromes and water supplies, are still in their high commands?

Captain Margesson

As I stated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 13th May, I have nothing to add to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 7th May on the subject of operations in Libya.

Mr. Purbrick

I have made a very careful examination of the statement made by the Prime Minister, and there was nothing in it which forms a reply to the Question I have put down. As this is a very important matter, can we not have an answer?

Captain Margesson

I have looked at the Prime Minister's statement—indeed, I heard it in the House—and I think that he dealt very faithfully with the difficulties and with some of the errors that happened in the campaign to which my hon. Friend referred.

Mr. Purbrick

We have not yet heard, however, whether the officers who were responsible for these errors of tactics are still in their commands.