§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why steps were not taken to provide for adequate air protection on the island of Crete for ships operating in Grecian waters; and whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the Naval losses which subsequently took place in consequence of neglect to take the necessary action?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe first part of the Question, which was answered by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister during the Debate on 10th June, deals with a matter for which the Admiralty are not responsible. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend does not consider that a general inquiry on the lines proposed would serve any useful purpose. As far as Boards of Inquiry into the loss of individual vessels are concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given to the hon. and gallant Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on 30th April.
§ Mr. StokesDo the Admiralty consider that they were justified in taking the risks they did in the absence of adequate protection, and is it proposed to take any disciplinary action against the people responsible for not having adequate protection prepared in the time available?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI have said that the first part of the hon. Gentleman's Question raises a matter which is not the responsibility of the Admiralty.