HC Deb 18 February 1942 vol 377 c1788
35. Mr. Stokes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why, in view of the fact that it was thought necessary to hold a court-martial over the sinking of His Majesty's Ship "Ark Royal," there has been no court-martial or inquiry into the sinking of His Majesty's Ship "Glorious"?

Mr. Alexander

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 31st July, 1940, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the First Lord whether, as political head, he was in control and responsible for the operations during which the ship was lost, or whether the control was taken out of his hands by the Minister of Defence?

Mr. Alexander

That is an extraordinary question to put to me. The operations that were proceeding when the "Glorious" was lost were under the proper control of the Commander-in-Chief of the area, and he was operating as he should have operated.

Mr. Stokes

That is no answer to my question.

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