HC Deb 16 June 1942 vol 380 c1378
47. Mr. Stokes

asked the Prime Minister at what sacrifice to our convoys to Russia and naval defence in the Mediterranean the two recent 1,000 machine raids on Southern Germany were made; and whether he is satisfied the machines could not have been better used elsewhere?

Mr. Attlee

It is not proposed at the present time to make any further statement on these topics.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that expert opinion is seriously concerned as to whether mammoth raids of this kind do not divert from the protection of the Royal Navy and the Mercantile Marine aeroplanes necessary for their safety?

Mr. Attlee

I am not aware to which experts my hon. Friend is alluding. There are numbers of experts, and some people are supposed to be experts who are not so expert as they think they are.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these well-organised raids have won the admiration of the whole people?

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a substantial minority which considers indiscriminate raiding of this kind highly immoral?

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the rest of the people of the country admire the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend probably more accurately represents the views of these people than the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).