§ 48. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Prime Minister when and in what form 2232 the rearmament programme of His Majesty's Government has been approved by the present French Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question which the hon. Member addressed to me.
§ Mr. HENDERSONIs the Prime Minister aware that the First Lord of the Admiralty on Saturday last stated that the present Socialist Government in France had applauded the rearmament programme of His Majesty's Government and were praying that that programme should be carried out as swiftly as possible; and is it desirable for Ministers to make statements which are untrue and calculated to deceive the public on matters of very great importance?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I did not notice that particular statement. It does seem to me that any strengthening of the forces of collective security will be welcomed by those who believe in it.
§ Mr. HENDERSONAre we to understand that it is the policy of the Government to compromise the Socialist Government in France with public opinion in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, no.