HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc153-4
31. Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State-for Air whether he is satisfied with the supply of dive-bombers to the Royal Air Force and, in particular, for operations in the Middle East theatre of war?

Sir A. Sinclair

The House is aware that there have been delays in the supply of dive-bombers which were ordered as long ago as the summer of 1940. Meanwhile, in the Middle East theatre there is an adequate supply of the light bombers and fighter-bombers which played so great a part in the rout of Rommel's Army and have shown themselves more effective than dive-bombers in the army support role.

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman's Department has ordered these dive-bombers, can be give an assurance that they are now being delivered in quantities, and can he say whether we are now dive-bombing the German troops in Tunisia?

Sir A. Sinclair

My Department does not place orders for aircraft, but we require the production of light bombers with dive-bombing characteristics. They are not dive-bombing in Tunisia, but they are using light bombers and fighter-bombers effectively.

Mr. Granville

That is not answering my Question. Are we now receiving the dive-bombers ordered in quantities from the United States?

Sir A. Sinclair

Those that were ordered in quantities from the United States are now coming, and in some cases have proceeded to operational theatres.

32. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the United States War Secretary, in Washington, that many tanks in use by the American Forces in Central Tunisia had been destroyed by enemy dive-bombers; and, in view of this further proof of the importance of these dive-bombers, what new steps are being taken to secure supplies of them for our own use?

Sir A. Sinclair

I have seen reports of the statement referred to. Full details of the part played by dive-bombers in recent operations in Tunisia are not yet available in this country. The latest reports received suggest however that many of the attacks attributed in earlier accounts to dive-bombers were carried out by fighter-bombers, on which the Germans appear to be relying increasingly. As for the second part of the Question, I would refer to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 17th December last, when I indicated that it was hoped to find good use for dive-bombers as they became available but that operational experience was tending to confirm the greater effectiveness of other types of bomber.