§ 47. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Prime Minister whether the Lord Privy Seal was giving expression to a part of the policy of the Government when he stated on Thursday last, that, in the event of any of 12 national regions being cut off from the centre of government in any region, absolute power in that region should thereupon devolve, for the whole period of the emergency, upon a single commissioner nominated by the Government in peace time?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The Lord Privy Seal in the statement he made on Thursday last, was expressing the policy of His Majesty's Government. In the event of a breakdown of communications in time of war, a Regional Commissioner, in consultation with the regional representatives of Government Department, would exercise the powers vested in His Majesty's Government until communications had been satisfactorily re-established.
§ Mr. Garro JonesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would conduce to a greater good-will in the working of these proposals, affecting as they do so closely the lives and liberties of the people, if he were to secure the mandate of the House of Commons for these plans?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure I can rely upon the hon. Gentleman to do his utmost to promote good-will.
§ Mr. Arthur GreenwoodIn view of the vagueness of this statement and the possibility of a fairly early Debate on this matter in the House, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange that a White Paper shall be issued elaborating these proposals; and may I further ask him, in the presence of the right hon. Gentleman the Lord Privy Seal, whether he will arrange that, in future, important pronouncements of policy are made first to this House?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think this can be described as an important statement of policy. It is an incident in the general scheme of policy. On the question of a White Paper I will consult with my right hon. Friend to see whether that is possible.