§ Mr. THURTLE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the public speeches made on Saturday last by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for India containing references to the Russian Government; and if these public statements by Members of the Cabinet are to be taken as representing the attitude of the Government towards Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)This question only came into my hands on my reaching the House of Commons, and I should be grateful if the hon. Member would be good enough to put it on the Paper.
Captain BENNDoes the Prime Minister mean that the Government are not aware whether an important Minister such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his public utterances, represents their policy?
§ Mr. THURTLEArising out of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask if he is aware that this question was delivered to 10, Downing Street before lunch?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt all depends on what time lunch is.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDMay we not always assume that the speeches delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer are delivered after consultation with his colleagues and represent the mind of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it may be assumed that I have such confidence in my colleagues that I do not rush to read their speeches with the same speed that some others do.