§ 12. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for War how many General Staff officers made official visits to the United States of America during 1948; and how many of these officers were of the rank of brigadier and above.
§ Mr. ShinwellDuring 1948, 13 general staff officers from the War Office made official visits to the United States of America. Seven were of the rank of brigadier or above.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this rather expensive traffic will cease now that we are officially a satellite of the United States of America?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question refers to how many visits were made and not to any consequences of those visits.
§ Mr. GallacherOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in Order to refer to other countries in Eastern Europe as being satellites? If that is in Order, why is it not in Order to refer to this country as being a satellite?
§ Mr. Platts-MillsAs I understand your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, there was no objection to the form or content of my supplementary question, except as against the background of the first Question. If that were your Ruling is it not permissible for me to ask something that naturally follows from the Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerIn supplementary questions one must not make imputations or inferences; that is laid down. The hon. Gentleman made a distinct inference in his supplementary question.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsAlthough hon. Gentlemen opposite wriggle with vexation when one challenges the betrayal of our country, am I to understand, with great respect to your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, that when I point out what everyone in the country can see, that there is the most abject surrender of Britain—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman must not pursue that matter any longer.