§ 27. Major Sir Edward Cadoganasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the air escort accompanying Air-Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory on the occasion when he was reported missing, was dismissed before the journey was completed; and if so, whether he will give orders that in future air escorts accompanying those for whom air escorts are considered appropriate, should be in attendance throughout the journey.
§ Sir A. SinclairThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The extent to which air escorts should be provided depends on factors such as the tactical situation and the conditions of weather and light in which the flight has to be carried out. These are operational 517 questions which must be decided by the Commander-in-Chief responsible for the provision of the escort. It is not considered that the loss of this aircraft was due to the absence of an escort.