§ 65. Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Air, how many times Malta has been raided since September; and the number of men, women and children that have been killed and injured?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)The answer to the first part of the Question is 82. As regards the second part, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the number of Service casualties. Particulars of the civilian casualties are not available in this country.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House of the number of machines that were brought down in this country last night?
§ Captain BalfourThe raids on Malta referred to in this Question have not been the only activity in the air, because the House will be interested to know that last night we destroyed 23 of the enemy machines coming over to this country, and in addition to that total of 23, there is a considerable number, of which I cannot give the exact figure, damaged and possibly brought down, and I might tell the House that the "pick-up" may come into double figures.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister aware that my Question has resulted in some jolly good information?
§ Mr. MaxtonWhat has that to do with Malta?
§ Mr. ManderCan my hon. and gallant Friend say approximately how many machines came over?
§ Captain Balfour indicated dissent.