§ 48. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider his decision not to publish shipping losses; whether he will state the figures of Allied losses in recent months; and whether he is aware that statements on the subject are being circulated in the United States of America?
§ Mr. AttleeThe position is as stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on nth June last, of which I am sending him a copy. I have nothing to add to that reply.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that President Roosevelt, Admiral Lang, and Admiral Vickery have all made public statements in the United States and that those statements are well known to the enemy? Is it not time that the public in this country were made aware of the gravity of the position?
§ Mr. AttleeI do not think that that affects the validity of the reasons which were given before for non-publication in this country.
§ Earl WintertonWould the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that if the grievous, though not irremediable, position, which is known to a great many of us, is not made known to the public, the public will have one of the nastiest shocks they have ever had in their lives, in the next two months?
§ Mr. LipsonAre the figures published in the United States likely to be published in this country?
§ Mr. Clement DaviesIs there any possible reason why the figures, say, up to the end of March, could not be published? I can understand the general reason, but surely figures up to the end of March could be published.
§ Mr. AttleeI will consider that suggestion.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures for April have been published in the United States, are known to shipowners and others in this country and disclose a very alarming state of affairs? Will he consider whether we ought not to have some statement, reassuring or otherwise, from the Government on this matter?
§ Mr. AttleeThe Question relates to recent months. I do not think it is affected by figures published some time ago and in another country. I will certainly bear in mind the points just raised, and I will discuss them with the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am very sorry, Mr. Speaker, to have to ask for facilities, if they can be afforded, but I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter on the Adjournment.