HC Deb 06 October 1942 vol 383 c1052
8. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement on the performance of our tanks during the raid on Dieppe?

Sir J. Grigg

It would not be in the public interest for me to add anything to the information given by the Prime Minister in the House on 30th September.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not a fact that some serious defects were discovered in the Churchill tanks and that their use was responsible for a coniderable loss of life? Is it not desirable, if the facts are as I have stated, that those who are responsible should be dealt with?

Sir J. Grigg

I am afraid I cannot add to the answer which I have just given.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that the performance of these tanks at Dieppe was in every respect satisfactory?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member is to understand what the Prime Minister told him in the answer he gave recently.

Mr. Stokes

You cannot get away with that.

Mr. Shinwell

It has been admitted.