§ 47. Sir Douglas Thomsonasked the Prime Minister what Minister is responsible for providing air cover for merchant shipping when at sea, either sailing in convoy or otherwise; and what Minister is responsible for assessing the degree of such air protection required in any instance?
§ Mr. EdenThe defence of merchant shipping at sea calls for the employment of both ship-borne and shore-based aircraft. The First Lord of the Admiralty is responsible for that part of the air cover which can be given by naval ship-borne aircraft, the Secretary of State for Air for the provision of shore-based air forces to meet the broad requirements of air cover arrived at in consultation with the Admiralty. The general distribution of air effort, as between naval and Air Force requirements, is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and ultimately of the War Cabinet.
§ Sir D. ThomsonIs it seriously suggested that the Prime Minister is consulted in the day-to-day negotiations? Who is finally responsible for assessing on any day what assistance the Navy requires from the Air Force?
§ Mr. EdenI think my answer is clear. The first part dealt with what might be called the practical things, and the second part dealt with the distribution of air effort generally, which is a matter for the Prime Minister and the War Cabinet.
§ Captain Peter MacdonaldIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with the liaison between the Naval Services, Coastal Command, Fighter Command and Bomber Command?
§ Mr. EdenI am satisfied that very great progress is being made in this matter. The position has greatly improved of late.