asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the withdrawal from Bir Hacheim, and, in particular, in reference to the inability to provide the garrison with sufficient air support against the attacks by enemy dive bombers?

I could not make any statement while the battle in Libya is still in progress without giving information which would be useful to the enemy, but I must not be taken as accepting the statements in my hon. Friend's Question.

Before he makes a further statement, will the right hon. Gentleman read his own speech of 7th May?