HC Deb 05 November 1940 vol 365 c1232W
Captain Plugge

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement on the numbers of flying-boats and aeroplanes which are available for watching our liners within a few hundred miles of the Irish and British coasts; and whether he can, in this connection, indicate the exact precautions in the case of the "Empress of Britain"?

Captain Balfour

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to reveal the information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks. As regards the circumstances of the loss I understand from my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty that these are the subject of a formal Board of Inquiry.