HC Deb 21 October 1942 vol 383 c1949
16. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Secretary of State for Air on how many separate occasions the Air Ministry has announced that more than 1,000 bombers attacked a specific area in Germany?

Sir A. Sinclair

Three, Sir.

Mr. Simmonds

Is it not a fact that in addition to the great material damage they have done, these raids have had a very considerable effect on enemy morale, and will the Minister give an undertaking to the House that so far as operational conditions permit he will endeavour to multiply the number of raids of this type?

Sir A. Sinclair

I will give the House the assurance that I will fully support the Commander-in-Chief in all measures which he thinks necessary for the prosecution of the air war against Germany with the utmost vigour.

Viscountess Astor

Will the Minister tell us whether the Cabinet have decided on full or partial bombing while waiting for a second front? Would it not be better, if we are to have a second front, to bomb properly while we are about it?

Sir A. Sinclair

I can assure the Noble Lady that we are bombing as hard as we can.

Sir A. Southby

Not Italy.