§ 49. Mr. AMERYasked the Prime Minister whether he received a deputation of the London Young Liberal Federation on Friday last conveying an illuminated memorial congratulating him on his appointment to the War Office, and recording its indignation at the attempt made to induce officers of the Army to refuse obedience to lawful orders on political grounds; and if he will state when and by whom any such attempt has been made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I have no responsibility for statements made to me in memorials.
§ Mr. AMERYDo I understand that the Prime Minister in his answer dissented from the statement made by the memorialists?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not make any answer at all.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHDid the right hon. Gentleman allow the memorialists to go away with the idea they entered the room with?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot penetrate into their minds.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman circulate extracts from the speeches of the leaders of the Opposition in justification of this statement?
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman publicly state that these statements are inaccurate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have said, I do not know whether the question is in order at all. I think it is a new burden to cast upon Ministers that they should state the ground of statements contained in memorials.