§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask the Prime Minister what it is proposed to do regarding the course of business to-day?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the late Foreign Secretary and my Noble Friend the late Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs will make personal statements at the end of Questions. In view of the resignations of these Ministers we shall not consider the business previously announced for to-day. When my right hon. Friend and my Noble Friend have spoken, I propose to move the Adjournment of the House in order to give me an opportunity of making a statement of the Government's views on the present situation. I anticipate that the Debate on the Motion for the Adjournment will occupy the whole of to-day's sitting.
§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask whether the Prime Minister realises that, in view of the gravity of this event, and of the widespread feeling in all parts of the House, the House should have an opportunity of the fullest expression of its views, and that one day will be wholly insufficient for that purpose?
§ The Prime MinisterBefore deciding about that we might see how the Debate goes.
§ Sir Archibald SinclairSurely, when the Government have made a fundamental departure in policy which has made it impossible for the Secretary of State to remain in office, this House ought to have opportunity fully to discuss the issue, and time should be given to enable hon. Members in all parts of the House, on the back benches as well as on the front benches, to take part in the Debate.
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman is anticipating the Debate when he speaks of a departure in policy. He had better wait to ascertain whether there has been a departure in policy.
§ Mr. AttleeWe do not know what statements are going to be made by the late Foreign Secretary or the Prime Minister, but we understand that they will indicate some difference of view in regard to foreign policy. In view of that, it is essential that Members in all parts of the House should have a full opportunity of discussing the matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly do not desire that the House should be deprived of a full opportunity of Debate, but I thought it was rather premature to decide that matter at this moment.
§ Mr. ChurchillIs it not possible for the Leaders of the Opposition parties to give some guarantee or understanding to the Government that the time table of business will not suffer by full time being allowed for this discussion?