HL Deb 16 March 1943 vol 126 cc697-8
LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second question standing in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the machinery in existence for co-ordinating or combining the operations of the British and American Commands engaged in anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic.]

LORD BRUNTISFIELD

My Lords, the British and United States Commands are responsible by agreement for operations in certain defined areas, irrespective of the nationality of the ships and aircraft actually operating in those areas from time to time. The closest contact is maintained between tile British and United States authorities in allotting forces to the different areas and in all matters concerning operations against U-boats in the Atlantic.

LORD STRABOLGI

I am much obliged to the noble Lord. May I ask what happens in between those two areas—who is in command there?

LORD BRUNTISFIELD

The areas are contiguous. There is no water in between.

LORD STRABOLGI

Surely there is some better arrangement than mere geographical division between these two Commands?

LORD BRUNTISFIELD

There is to be an opportunity at an early date to discuss this question. I think that would be a better method than by question and answer across the floor of the House.

LORD STRABOLGI

I agree; I will refer to this matter at a future sitting.