§ Mr. LANSBURY (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether the statement made yesterday by the Secretary of State for the Dominions to the effect that the General Election would not come for some years—perhaps three years from now—is to be regarded as an authoritative declaration that the Government have decided upon an extension of the life of this Parliament in order to postpone the General Election?
§ The PRIME. MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)No, Sir. The remark to which my right hon. Friend is referring was clearly, from its context, not intended 957 to bear so solemn and literal an interpretation, and I am sure that those who heard it will testify to this.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn view of the fact that Members of His Majesty's Government are doing their best to terrorise the nation as to what may happen if a Socialist Government comes into power, will he recommend the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary of State for the Dominions, when they make these silly, stupid statements, to warn their hearers: "This is only a joke"?
§ Mr. WILMOTHow much longer do the Goverment intend to tolerate in responsible Ministers this obnoxious buffoonery?