HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 cc685-6
50. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Prime Minister if the speech of the Secretary of State for War this weekend on distribution of the financial burden represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Did the right hon. Gentleman observe that in this speech the Secretary of State for War used the expression "people" to describe a section of the people only, and is it with the approval of the Prime Minister that the Secretary of State for War uses the language of Communism?

The Prime Minister

I am not aware that the use of the word "people" is restricted to members of the Communist Party. In any event, I am not dealing with the question of words, but with a question of policy. As I understand it, the general expression of policy was that in the event of war the burden should be borne equitably.

Sir W. Smithers

When will the Prime Minister realise that the Secretary of State for War is a menace, and that the sooner he goes out the better?

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. S. O. Davies

Will my right hon. Friend give some heed to an appeal from this side of the House to consider the extreme anxiety that exists among the people of our country at the fact that they and hon. Members on this side believe that this country is being led into another world war?

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with this Question. I cannot understand what the hon. Member is talking about.