23. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give an assurance that instructions have been given to all Allied Forces engaged in bombing operations to spare, as far as possible, cathedrals and other buildings of historic and artistic value; and that information regarding the nature and location of such buildings is regularly supplied to those in charge of bombing operations.
§ Sir A. SinclairThe utmost precautions are taken to protect from damage all buildings of historic and artistic value, in so far as this is consistent with military necessity.
Miss RathboneMay I ask my right hon. Friend to reply to the latter part of the Question—as to whether there is a regular system of giving instructions to the airmen so that they will know just where these buildings are?
§ Sir A. SinclairYes, Sir, where it is practicable to do that. Quite frankly, it is not practicable in attacking German targets, but in attacking these tactical targets in Italy, small towns and centres of communication, where there are valuable buildings, it is possible.
§ Mr. DribergHave any such special instructions been given with regard to the Parthenon?
§ Sir A. SinclairI cannot answer that without notice.
§ Mr. DribergIt is very important.
Miss RathboneWhy is it impossible to do this in the case of buildings in Germany, which are of enormous interest to the whole world, such as Freiberg Cathedral?
§ Sir A. SinclairAs the House knows perfectly well, we are attacking every German war industry and transport on a large scale, and it would be humbug for me to come to the House and say that such a system of instruction would be practicable.