HC Deb 05 August 1942 vol 382 c1011
15. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his approval was given to the recent broadcast address by the Chief of Bomber Command in which he indicated our intention to bomb Germany every night whatever the weather conditions; that the German armies could never get to England and that there would be peace if the Germans overthrew their Nazi rulers; and whether these views represent the opinion of the Government or are personal to the Chief of Bomber Command?

Captain Balfour

The answer to both parts of the Question is that the commander-in-chief's message to the German people was broadcast with the approval of His Majesty's Government.

Sir L. Lyle

Is it not undesirable and even unfair to ask Service chiefs to make political broadcasts, because they are not in a position to defend themselves against criticism in this House?

Captain Balfour

The Ministers concerned take full responsibility for all statements made by those who are under their direction. As regards the issue which my hon. Friend puts forward, that is something entirely different—it was dealt with yesterday in another place—and does not arise directly from the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the fact that part of the statement made by the Chief of Bomber Command was in the nature of political propaganda, may I ask whether the Under-Secretary thinks it wise to entrust political propaganda to those who are unable to defend themselves in this House?

Captain Balfour

That may or may not be so, but it is an entirely different Question from that on the Order Paper.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Why did not the Minister make the statement?