§ 49. Mr. Rileyasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the widespread anxiety concerning the course of events in Libya; whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into recent reverses, and a statement made to Parliament arising out of such an inquiry?
§ Mr. AttleeI do not understand what sort of inquiry my hon. Friend desires. It would, of course, be impossible to make report to Parliament while operations in Libya are continuing.
§ Mr. RileyDoes the right hon. Gentle man appreciate that the public is very touch concerned and is anxiously await ing and expecting some adequate explanation?
§ Mr. AttleeIt is quite impossible to have a general investigation and a public statement on the course of a campaign when operations are still in progress.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman refresh his memory by examining the circumstances in which a Royal Commission was appointed on the campaign in Mesopotamia before the campaign was concluded?
§ Mr. AttleeThe inquiry in the case of Mesopotamia was a matter concerned with the medical services. The inquiry into the Galipoli campaign took place after evacuation, when the campaign was ended.