HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 c1227W
Sir H. Williams

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why no naval or air protection was accorded during its voyage to a ship, the name of which has been sent to him, which was sunk by enemy action in the Atlantic some weeks ago?

Mr. Alexander

This ship was sailing independently in an area where it is not possible to run convoys. The commitments of the Royal Navy are so great that it is not practicable to provide escort for every individual ship.