§ 48. Dr. Littleasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that on the cessation of hostilities a week-day will be set apart for prayer and thanksgiving, with a cessation of all work and the closing of all licensed premises in the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime MinisterI hope and believe that when the time comes we shall celebrate a victorious peace in a manner worthy of the British nation.
§ Dr. LittleWill my right hon. Friend, in fixing the day, take account of the strong feeling in the country that the day should be a day of rest from all toil, and of sobriety, wholly devoted to God in recognition of His goodness and mercy to us?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a little premature to go into all the details in advance of the actual moment being reached.
Viscountess AstorDoes not the Prime Minister realise that if we are to celebrate it in a proper manner, we have to begin now to prepare, because the drink trade is already making plans to get our men drunk on the one day when we should be on our knees thanking God for victory?
§ The Prime MinisterI really think that these misgivings are exaggerated—very much exaggerated. The Noble Lady is very much inclined to be sensitive on these 796 points, perhaps more sensitive than the general mass of the community, or their representatives.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the Prime Minister use his great office to discourage this blasphemy that people have in their minds, that the Almighty has any vested interest in war at all?
§ The Prime MinisterThat really raises questions far beyond the scope of Question Time.
§ Mr. GlanvilleIs the Prime Minister aware that if he carries out the second suggestion in the Question it will be anything but a day of prayer and thanksgiving? Has the Prime Minister ever heard, on the wireless, a song entitled "I'm going to get lit up, when the lights go on in London"?