§ 48. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister when it is intended that the 373 Debate on the Canadian cattle embargo should take place: and what is the policy of the Cabinet on this subject?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am sorry that it will not be possible to take this discussion next week as was intended owing to the fact that so many Members from Northern Ireland cannot be present. It is hoped, however, that it will be possible to announce a date next week. As regards the last part of the question the attitude of the Government to this subject has already been defined in reply to previous questions.
§ Captain BENNIs the policy of the Government to carry out whatever mandate is given by the House of Commons when the discussion does take place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am sure that I should be very ill-advised if I were to add anything to the declarations which have been made from this bench as to the policy of the Government.
§ Captain BENNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that declarations have been made with emphasis on both sides of this question by Cabinet Ministers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, and statements have also been made as to what are the relations of those declarations to the policy of the Government.
§ Mr. W. SHAWWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give a definite date for the discussion next week?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. It is however hoped that a definite date may be given next week.
§ Mr. SHAWCan the right hon. Gentleman not give us some definite understanding on this question, because it has been repeatedly put off?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would be a great mistake to fix the date at this stage, because it necessarily depends on the progress of business.
§ Captain BENNIs not the effect of postponing the discussion to rob us of the time to give it legislative effect?