§ 47. Mr. Stokesasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unsatisfactory reports which he has received both as to the inadequacy of British tanks in the field and the waste in production in this country, he will tell the House what action he proposes to take in default of holding an inquiry.
§ The Prime MinisterI repudiate the allegations of the hon. Member. The next time that the British Armies take the field, in country suitable for the use of armour, they will be found to be equipped in a manner at least equal to the forces of any other country in the world.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information on which I based the first part of my Question came from fighting officers in North Africa and the Bridgehead, and will he tell the House whether he has had a report from the Select Committee on the latter part of the Question?
§ The Prime MinisterI have received an advance copy of the Report of the Select Committee and its various criticisms will be carefully considered. I am not interested to know from what sources the hon. Gentleman receives his information. I am sure it would have been very gratifying to him if the information were of an adverse character.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that there is a feeling of disquiet in certain quarters including Select Committee quarters; and would it be possible to give the House an opportunity of conveying some information to the right hon. Gentleman by discussing this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, we were to have had a Debate on this subject in Secret Session, on the Motion to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on the Army Estimates, but it was found that that would not be entirely in accordance with the Rules of Order. An opportunity will be found however in a very short time —during the next series of Sittings—for a Debate in Secret Session, when anything can be said. And I should like to say that it is not part of my submission, that no mistakes are ever made by this Government.
§ Mr. StokesArising out of the right hon. Gentleman's second reply, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, disregarding his facetious remark to me, thousands of soldiers have lost their lives as a result of the inaction of the Government in this matter?