asked the Secretary of State for Air how many British bombers were lost over Germany and Western Europe during April; and whether he is in a position to give similar figures for American or British aircraft piloted by American pilots?

267 British and 28 American bomber aircraft operating from this country were reported lost over Germany and Western Europe during April, 1943.

That means that 699 bombers have been lost since 1st January this year over Europe and Germany. Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that some of them could not have been put to more useful purpose by being used in protecting the Western approaches?

I am absolutely satisfied.

Is it true that Herr Hitler is building an ark against the flood in the Ruhr?