§ 46. Sir K. WOODasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to give early facilities for the Trade Disputes Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis Bill will be introduced as soon as possible this Session.
§ Sir K. WOODIs it true that the Prime Minister stated to the representatives of the trade unions a few days ago that, while he hoped to be able to proceed with the Land Drainage Bill this Session, it was exceedingly doubtful if the Trade Disputes Bill could make sufficient progress to pass into law at any rate immediately?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should hope that ex-Ministers are not going to make themselves responsible for tittle-tattle.
§ Sir K. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether that is true or not, and is he not aware that that statement appears in the official Labour organ?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware that the statement appeared in the official Labour organ; but, at the same 992 time, I think, if I may say so respectfully, that ex-Ministers should not make themselves responsible for retailing these statements without inquiry.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMay we make the inquiry now, and will the Prime Minister give the answer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe right hon. Gentleman has not improved matters. If the right hon. Gentleman thinks it is his function in this House to take up this question, and then to ask the question—[Interruption.]
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhen an ex-Cabinet Minister asks the right hon. Gentleman a question, will he have the courtesy to answer it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly. But ex-Cabinet Ministers as a rule have the courtesy not to put questions of the nature of those which have been put to me just now, whether a certain rumour that I said something to somebody else is true or not.