HC Deb 04 May 1959 vol 605 c31

At the end of Questions—

Mr. Bevan

Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that there have been reports in the public Press to the effect that discussions are taking place at the Council of N.A.T.O. about the proposal to admit Spain into N.A.T.O., which is a very important departure, would the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs find it possible, with your permission, to answer Question No. 49?

Mr. Speaker

Does the Minister desire to answer the Question?

Mr. Profumo

I do not desire to answer it, but I am quite prepared to do so, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) will, in any case, get an answer, and if he does not like it he may come back with a Question again.

Mr. Bevan

I hate to see the Minister of State in such torment. Would it not be possible, in courtesy to the House, to convert his lack of desire into willingness to do so?

Mr. Speaker

No, I think I would have to stop it. It is past half-past three.