§ 60. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the complaints from serving naval and military officers and observers in Libya, Cairo and India, of the acute shortage of bomber strength in these zones, where greater bombing power would have, prevented withdrawals and defeats of our naval and military forces; and, whether, in order to allay national uneasiness regarding our major strategy, he will offer assurances that the best possible dispositions are being made of our now superior bomber and fighter forces and particularly an assurance that the present exceptional concentration of bomber offensive upon Germany is not misdirected effort?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)No doubt the issues raised in my hon. Friend's Question will be discussed in the Debate in the next series of Sittings; but meanwhile I can gladly give him the assurances for which he asks in the latter part of his Question.
Mr. StewartCan we take it, in view of the great importance of the matter, that a statement on behalf of the Air Ministry will be made during the forthcoming Debate?
§ Captain BalfourMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air said yesterday in the House that, if an opportunity is offered him, he will be very glad to make a statement on the subject raised in yesterday's Question, and I will draw his attention to the request of the hon. Gentleman that, if such a statement is made, he will also include his particular question.