HC Deb 10 February 1943 vol 386 c1324
72. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the A22 tanks went into action and were actually engaged with the enemy in the recent battles in Tunisia?

The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household (Mr. Boulton)

I have been asked to reply. It is not in the public interest to publish information about the employment of equipment in operations which are still in progress, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot give my hon. Friend the information he asks for.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has observed the speech made by the Minister of Production, to whom I addressed this Question, who stated that these tanks had been in action and had given satisfaction; and is he aware that it has not been made clear whether they were only perambulated behind the lines or had been engaged with the enemy?

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is it not in the public interest not to answer questions put by the hon. Member opposite?

Mr. Bellenger

In view of the fact that these tanks bear the name of the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister, and it seems to be the policy now to let the public know of the exploits of our troops in action, would it not be desirable to let us have a little more information about these tanks, which hitherto have not been too successful?

The Prime Minister

I gave a somewhat long reply on this subject before I went away. A few sample tanks of this mark were used in the battle of El Alamein, and it was reported that they did well.