§ 8. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Secretary of State for Air with whom rests the final decision as to what German towns shall be bombed in force and when such action shall take place?
§ Captain BalfourThe War Cabinet lays down the general lines of our bombing policy after receiving the advice of the Chiefs of Staff. Within the limits of that policy and under the authority of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the Air Staff, after consulting the other Departments concerned, issue a directive to Bomber Command indicating on broad lines the targets to be attacked. Subject to any special directions that may be given, the final decision how and when a particular target is attacked necessarily rests with the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command.
§ Sir L. LyleApart from naval and military objectives which are attacked, or decided upon for attack, are the economic attacks decided upon by the Ministry of Economic Warfare?
§ Captain BalfourI said in my reply "after consulting the other Departments concerned," but I think my hon. Friend and the House will appreciate that this is not a matter which one can debate in Question and answer. If my hon. Friend wants any information on specific points, I would ask him to put a Question on the Order Paper.