HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 cc2-4
2. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate number of Covenanter tanks used in Tunisia and Sicily?

4. and 5. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the ratio of American tanks, over 20 tons to British tanks over 20 tons used in the Sicilian operations;

(2) whether guns on self-propelled mountings, manufactured in this country, were used in the Sicilian operations?

18. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the performance of British-made tanks in Sicily?

Sir J. Grigg

It is not in the public interest to disclose particulars relating to the equipment of an Expeditionary Force, which might be of value to the enemy.

Mr. Stokes

Arising from that most unsatisfactory reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not the fact that the Covenanter tanks have, in fact, only been used for training purposes and that great quantities are now being cut up for scrap?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not think that is particularly relevant to the Question on the Paper.

Mr. Stokes

It is true.

Mr. Kirkwood

But is the statement true?

3. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a tank, in every way comparable to the German Tiger or Panther, has now passed its operational tests?

Sir J. Grigg

This information may be of value to the enemy, and it would not be in the public interest to disclose it.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not the fact that the Government, with their usual ineptitude in this matter, are really not proceeding with anything adequate at all?

19. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the development of British tanks?

Sir J. Grigg

I could never say that I am satisfied. Development must always be progressive.

Mr. Hammersley

Are we to understand from that reply that there are British tanks in production mounting guns of sufficient calibre and carrying armour sufficiently heavy to meet the requirements of the War Office?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member does not get me that way. That is the question which I answered just now when I refused to give any information which might be of value to the enemy.