§ 46. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the recommendation of the unemployment committee of the International Labour Office with regard to the carrying out of joint public works through the League of Nations, he will reconsider the question of removing the Government veto on the construction of a Channel tunnel?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe recommendation to which the hon. Member refers must be read as applying to cases in which the obstacles to practical action can be removed by international action. This is not the case with the Channel Tunnel. I would also refer to the very full discussion in regard to the Channel Tunnel which took place on the 30th June last in which I drew attention to the fact that the proposed scheme would only provide employment for a very small number of men. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that the discussion on this matter was left to a free vote of the House.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the fact that it is notorious that great pressure was exercised during that Debate, will the Prime Minister allow the genuine feeling—
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Remer.