HL Deb 03 February 1948 vol 153 cc822-3
LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government why it has not been possible to resume publication of the Return of Fleets as a Command Paper; and when publication may be expected.]

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (VISCOUNT HALL)

My Lords, the publication Fleets, which was last produced in 1939, has contained particulars of the vessels of the Fleets of foreign countries, as well as those of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Up-to-date information has not been made available in respect of all foreign Fleets and, so far as information about the British Fleets is concerned, considerations of security do not at present admit of publication. I regret that I am unable to say when publication may be expected.

LORD STRABOLGI

I am much obliged to my noble friend. Can he inform your Lordships which of the Navies has declined to give this information?

VISCOUNT HALL

This is a matter that has been taken up by the United Nations with a view to getting all the naval forces to submit information, but so far they have failed to secure agreement.

EARL BEATTY

Arising from that reply, may I ask the noble Viscount whether it is not a fact that naval attaché s of foreign Embassies can obtain a great deal of that information. If that is so, why should the British public be denied it?

VISCOUNT HALL

It is true that foreign naval attaché s can get the information from certain countries, but not from all countries.