§ 46. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Prime Minister whether the Secretary of State for War, the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for Air are answerable to this House for the conduct of soldiers, sailors and airmen and their stores and equipment, in operations planned and carried out by Combined Operations Staff; and, if not, which Minister will answer?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative so far as specific details are concerned. But the main responsibility for operations is borne by the War Cabinet and the Minister of Defence.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf any questions were asked about combined operations, for example in the case of the recent combined operations at Dieppe, is it likely that any answer would be forthcoming? For example, if any questions were asked regarding the casualties sustained at Dieppe, would the Minister of Defence reply?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the Question should be addressed to me, but what form my reply would take I cannot forecast.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the right hon. Gentleman for very good reasons happens to be absent, as is frequently the case, are we to understand that the Questions should be addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is Deputy Minister of Defence?
§ The Prime MinisterQuestions which are addressed to me will be answered in my absence by the Deputy Prime Minister, but I am not contemplating any immediate absence.