HC Deb 10 February 1942 vol 377 cc1396-7
63. Captain Duncan

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied with the design, performance and speed of His Majesty's Ship "Duke of York," in view of the fact that she took nine days to cross the Atlantic?

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Captain Austin Hudson)

The time occupied by His Majesty's Ship "Duke of York" on the voyage in question was determined entirely by operational considerations and the speed which the escorting destroyers could maintain in the heavy weather encountered.

Captain Duncan

While I am grateful for that reply, will my hon. and gallant Friend draw the attention of Ministers to the desirability of not giving information to the enemy about naval operations generally?

Captain Hudson

I am not aware where my hon. and gallant Friend got the information on which he based his Question.

Captain Duncan

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that Lord Beaver-brook made a broadcast giving this information to the world?