§ 12. Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Secretary of State for Air what evidence, photographic or otherwise, is in his possession which justifies the use of 8,000-pound bombs in circumstances where double the number of 4,000-pound bombs can be carried; and whether he is satisfied that the use of the 8,000-pound bomb is so much more destructive in its effect as to more than counterbalance the disadvantage of the smaller number of probable direct hits?
§ Sir A. SinclairI am satisfied that the use of the 8,000-pound bomb is tactically justified. It would not be in the public interest to say more.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last autumn Bomber Command regarded the 8,000-pound bomb as an experiment which would be continued only if photographic evidence proved of such a character as to justify its continuation, and will he say whether, in fact, he is now in possession of such photographic evidence?
§ Sir A. SinclairI can only tell my hon. and gallant Friend that the use of this bomb is considered tactically justifiable.