HC Deb 20 January 1943 vol 386 cc200-1
40. Sir I. Albery

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement on the recent operations against the U-boat menace?

The Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. George Hall)

I regret that it is impossible to give full information about recent operations against U-boats without assisting the enemy. I can say, however, that we have been heavily attacked by U-boats in recent months and have taken heavy toll of the attackers. Details of operations against U-boats will be published whenever this can be done without assisting the enemy.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Admiralty in a position to give us this information in Secret Session? I would like an answer.

Mr. Hall

My hon. Friend should put that Question to the Leader of the House.

Mr. Kirkwood

Mr. Speaker, if I am in Order, I will now put it to the Leader of the House. I want to know whether, in Secret Session, the Government will be in a position to tell us what means they are taking to get control of the U-boats other than simply building ships to be sunk?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member should put that Question on the Paper; he cannot expect the Minister to answer without notice.