§ 45. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an early opportunity for discussing the Notice of Motion standing on the Paper in the name of the right hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Oath of Allegiance which they have already taken to King Edward VIII is unaffected by any form of Coronation ceremony or by the presence thereat or absence therefrom of any dignitary or personage whatsoever; nor will they substitute any other for the King of England.
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No, Sir.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODArising out of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can at least give us an assurance that the fatal and final step of abdication or the acceptance of abdication
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder.
§ Mr. THURTLErose—
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I ask you, Mr. Speaker—
§ Mr. SPEAKERSir Alfred Knox.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODOn a point of Order. May I ask, Sir, on what ground do you forbid me to put this supplementary question as is usual?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman asked a question, and he received an answer which was a very definite answer.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask to have that answer explained? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Is it not in accordance with the ordinary custom of this House that any answer made by a Minister may be explained and amplified if desired? I think I am perfectly justified in asking that question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe answer given to the right hon. Gentleman did not seem to me to call for any amplification.
§ Mr. THURTLEMay I ask the Prime Minister, arising out of his reply, whether it is not his intention to give the House some opportunity of discussing the matters referred to in this Motion before any irrevocable decision is taken?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was asked whether I would give time to discuss this particular Motion. My answer is that I cannot see my way to do it.