§ 46. Earl WINTERTONasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the growing gravity of the European and Far Eastern situation, any further steps will be taken to accelerate the expansion of the Defence Forces and the provision of adequate munitions and supplies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSteps are being continuously taken, including the development of plans for still further improving the organisation of supply and for accelerating the expansion of the Defence Forces.
§ Earl WINTERTONDoes not the very grave statement of the Secretary of State for War, made with all the authority of a Defence Minister, indicate that it is necessary to take yet further emergency action to deal with the situation and for the information of the public?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe steps which we have taken are those which His Majesty's Government so far consider to be requisite. They are keeping the House fully informed, and no doubt frequent Debates will take place.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINApart from those steps which the Government 1167 regard as being requisite, can my right hon. Friend give us some assurance that, in the opinion of the Government, they are adequate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir, they are adequate, but, of course, we are anxious to proceed with all speed.
§ Mr. LANSBURYHave the Government come to the conclusion that there is absolutely no other course to pursue but to pile up armaments, in preparation for a war which, they have told us, will destroy civilisation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am quite convinced, as I think I made clear in many speeches on the subject during the Election, that it may be necessary for us to increase armaments in order to play our part in collective security.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill not the Government consider calling together a conference in order to see whether this terrific catastrophe cannot be put off so that discussion can take place, or whether the whole of the civilised nations feel that they must prepare for catastrophic war instead of making an effort for peace?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that, at any rate, part of that question is sure to be discussed during the Debate. I have some observations that I wish to make myself, certainly with regard to one aspect of this question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf the situation is as grave as is represented in this question, and in the speech recently delivered by the Secretary of State for War, will the right hon. Gentleman take the House into his confidence, and not leave us in the dark?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can certainly undertake to do that.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are to have a Debate upon this subject later.