HL Deb 04 August 1942 vol 124 c194WA
LORD HANKEY

asked His Majesty's Government whether they assent to the proposition that the first and principal object of a maritime power or of a group of powers such as the United Nations, who are dependent for transportation of supplies on sea communications, is to obtain and maintain the command of the sea, whether exercised by ships or aircraft, or both to the utmost possible extent.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I am glad to have the opportunity of answering my noble friend's question, especially as when he put it on an earlier occasion in debate, I omitted to reply. The principles which the noble Lord enunciates appear to His Majesty's Government to be unexceptionable, but their application is, of course, governed by circumstances, values, and proportions.

House adjourned.